![A group of graduates celebrating and laughing](https://classof2020.cal.msu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2020/04/CAL_grad20_hero_bg1.jpg)
![Young woman wearing a green graduation cap](https://classof2020.cal.msu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2020/04/CAL_hattoss_01-1024x713.jpg)
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Graduation Hat Toss
Faculty, alumni, and graduates offer advice and congratulate our newest Spartan alumni.
2020 Commencement Speakers
![Man with glasses smiling in academic robes](https://classof2020.cal.msu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2020/04/CAL_grad20_long2.jpg)
To the Resilient Class of 2020
Dean
Christopher P. Long
![A man wearing a cap and gown](https://classof2020.cal.msu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2020/04/CAL_grad20_lawler.jpg)
Chase Your Dreams and Leave Your Mark
Student
Brandon Lawler, Spanish ’20
![Smiling woman wearing a black cap and gown](https://classof2020.cal.msu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2020/04/CAL_grad20_colliers.jpg)
Spartans Propel Change
Alumna
Tonya Collier, English ’87
MSU Virtual Commencement
A virtual commencement celebration will be held for all undergraduate and graduate students on May 16, 2020, at 10 a.m. EDT on MSU’s Facebook page.
![Congratulations Class of 2020! I'm so proud of all that you have accomplished and everything you have yet to do. You've faced such a challenging time during your years at MSU and you handled it all with grace and compassion. Kate Sonka Faculty & Alumna](https://classof2020.cal.msu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/elementor/thumbs/CAL_grad2020_greenhelmet-ooi2zslhoqp5vemqewrx1irph7kgmbqs1ys19emx16.png)
Congratulations Class of 2020!
I'm so proud of all that you have accomplished and everything you have yet to do. You've faced such a challenging time during your years at MSU and you handled it all with grace and compassion.
Kate Sonka Faculty & Alumna
![Lindsey, we are so very proud of you, our Spartan! You’ve persevered through so much to get to say you are an MSU alumna. We hope and pray that your future is filled with joy and is all you dream it to be. We love you! Go Green! Love, Mom and Dad Donna and Gary Hendges Parents](https://classof2020.cal.msu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/elementor/thumbs/CAL_grad2020_greenhelmet-1-ooi4bkq53k3w1t85ekb6sgp8kc25wffkmgmlhrsgqi.png)
Lindsey, we are so very proud of you, our Spartan! You’ve persevered through so much to get to say you are an MSU alumna. We hope and pray that your future is filled with joy and is all you dream it to be. We love you! Go Green!
Love, Mom and Dad Donna and Gary Hendges Parents
![Congratulations Class of 2020! You’ve all worked so hard and deserve the best! Be well and celebrate! Amanda Beaton Alumna](https://classof2020.cal.msu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/elementor/thumbs/CAL_grad2020_greenhelmet-2-ooi4j696ccibwc6u1cjmg1odfglz4clgo2gw5aiwfu.png)
Congratulations Class of 2020!
You’ve all worked so hard and deserve the best! Be well and celebrate!
Amanda Beaton Alumna
![I want to congratulate Teresa Williams who will earn her M.A. in Rhetoric and Writing! We are thrilled she has chosen to stay at MSU for her Ph.D.! Bill Hart-Davidson Associate Dean](https://classof2020.cal.msu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/elementor/thumbs/CAL_grad2020_greenhelmet-3-ooi7hr6da2escldhof2q65fyaba9wtprzlgx4shuwq.png)
I want to congratulate Teresa Williams who will earn her M.A. in Rhetoric and Writing! We are thrilled she has chosen to stay at MSU for her Ph.D.!
Bill Hart-Davidson Associate Dean
![Special congratulations for the Extraordinary Class of 2020! Thank you MSU faculty for keeping the students on track for graduation. Seniors, hold your heads high for completing your work under such adverse conditions. You DID it! Especially Abby, Sophie, and Haley! Roomies are friends for life! Spartans WILL forever! Ed and Chris Jaroszewicz Family](https://classof2020.cal.msu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/elementor/thumbs/CAL_grad2020_greenhelmet-4-ooi7i67sbezdicrn8lkra1nbsh85bzdhdnwot7vk56.png)
Special congratulations for the Extraordinary Class of 2020! Thank you MSU faculty for keeping the students on track for graduation. Seniors, hold your heads high for completing your work under such adverse conditions. You DID it! Especially Abby, Sophie, and Haley! Roomies are friends for life! Spartans WILL forever!
Ed and Chris Jaroszewicz Family
![Congratulations to Amelia Baumann and the rest of the 2020 Michigan State University Graduates of College of Arts & Letters. Todd and Noel Baumann Parents](https://classof2020.cal.msu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/elementor/thumbs/CAL_grad2020_greenhelmet-5-oop8frdnrhuge8e601fkxs5zhixxsyxdm50yl4xi9m.png)
Congratulations to Amelia Baumann and the rest of the 2020 Michigan State University Graduates of College of Arts & Letters.
Todd and Noel Baumann Parents
![Dear Graduating Senior, I wish to take the chance to congratulate you. You have worked hard, and the faculty and I are proud of you all. I commend you on your spirit and drive particularly during this trying time. I wish you all the best, and please keep in touch with us. Camelia Suleiman Faculty](https://classof2020.cal.msu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/elementor/thumbs/CAL_grad2020_greenhelmet-6-ooqsgkt5rcptdwuq7bj2ecfsncb0hcjwkgjj5gkpmi.png)
Dear Graduating Senior, I wish to take the chance to congratulate you. You have worked hard, and the faculty and I are proud of you all. I commend you on your spirit and drive particularly during this trying time. I wish you all the best, and please keep in touch with us.
Camelia Suleiman Faculty
Featured Stories
Video messages from Alumni
![CAL_grad20_pohl Woman with brown hair](https://classof2020.cal.msu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/elementor/thumbs/CAL_grad20_pohl-ooie8zut8q1skyo2ad567lpz5oulxtogwty5z7fym8.jpg)
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Stefanie Pohl
BA English 2007
“These uncertain times will make you stronger.”
![CAL_grad20_serling Portrait of older smiling couple](https://classof2020.cal.msu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/elementor/thumbs/CAL_grad20_serling-ooie8zut8q1skyo2ad567lpz5oulxtogwty5z7fym8.jpg)
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Michael Serling
BA HISTORY 1966
“You have a wonderful future as you embark into life.”
![CAL_grad20_gascoigne Woman with short brown hair](https://classof2020.cal.msu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/elementor/thumbs/CAL_grad20_gascoigne-ooic21ev5pypc5cvc8hcrj02si0nd486215uqgiha8.jpg)
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Kelly Gascoigne
BA SPANISH 1990
“Michigan State is about enduring relationships and community.”
![CAL_grad20_bullock Woman with glasses and short grey hair](https://classof2020.cal.msu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/elementor/thumbs/CAL_grad20_bullock-ooie8ywz1w0i9cpffuqjn3yikaz8q4kqkpaohxhcsg.jpg)
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Nancy Bullock
BA English 1981
“Once a Spartan, always a Spartan.”
Congratulations from Alumni & Friends
![Joyaux_01 Woman with curly light blonde hair in front of a painting of a woman](https://classof2020.cal.msu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/elementor/thumbs/Joyaux_01-ooeui2u1lk0ea35ak269eynkv5egzusklfnn1voj4g.jpg)
“Keep your memories close. Call your MSU pals and talk. Take care…and peace.”
Simone Joyaux
BA French 1970
“Take all that you’ve learned, apply it generously, and create your own career.”
Maude Campbell
BA Professional Writing 2014
![howard_01 A young man with his hands pressed against glass](https://classof2020.cal.msu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/elementor/thumbs/howard_01-ooeui1w7epz3yh6npjrmugw49rj3s5ou9b05klpxao.jpg)
“I wish you all the very best as the world enters this challenging epoch. You will be victorious!”
John Howard
BA Clothing & Textiles 1976
“It is your experiences over your entire student career that matters…I wish you the best as you journey forward!”
John Kajander
BA English 1978
![Croope2_01 Woman in purple sunglasses and wearing a medical mask](https://classof2020.cal.msu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/elementor/thumbs/Croope2_01-ooeui00j11wjb99e0iydphd72zsdcrhdl1p6m1spn4.jpg)
“Stay well, and keep your fingers crossed that we can enjoy Summer Circle Theatre soon.”
Jeanie Croope
BA Theatre 1973 MA Advertising 1982
“I hope someday soon you can look back and appreciate your whole time at MSU. Congratulations!”
Geoff Howes
BA German 1977
Honors College
![D. Prestel Picture_01 Older man with glasses wearing a tie and suit jacket](https://classof2020.cal.msu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/elementor/thumbs/D.-Prestel-Picture_01-ooeui0yd7vxtmv80v1d09z4nodnqkgl3x6co3brbgw.jpg)
“Congratulations! MSU is justly proud of you and your accomplishments.”
David Prestel
Professor Emeritus
“Keep your goals, work towards them no matter what, and listen to people you trust.”
Marcia Sholty
BA Elementary Education 1971
![Weninger_01 Portrait of a man wearing a suit and tie](https://classof2020.cal.msu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/elementor/thumbs/Weninger_01-ooeui3rvse1olp3xekkvzgf1gj9u7jwaxkb4j5n4y8.jpg)
“Do not look in the rearview mirror…Look ahead and around you…Bravo on a job well done.”
Atilla J. Weninger
BA English 1973
“I hope that this year’s graduates will find solace – my heart goes out to them.”
Dorothy M. Werner
BA English 1955
MA Educational Psychology 1967
“Every day, in every way, be the very best you can be. Be proud of your desire to achieve.”
Richard S. Sternberg, Ed.D.
BA History 1965
“You have harnessed the great power of a liberal arts education. The world needs your creativity and wisdom now more than ever.”
Dean Christopher P. Long
#MSUCAL20 Graduation
View this post on InstagramForever a Spartan.💚 #MSUCAL20 #MSUGrad20 📸: @keturale
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View this post on InstagramCongratulations, Class of 2020! We are all so proud of you. #MSUGrad20
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View this post on InstagramForever a Spartan.💚 #MSUCAL20 #MSUGrad20 📸: @keturale
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View this post on InstagramCongratulations, Class of 2020! We are all so proud of you. #MSUGrad20
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Program & Faculty Shoutouts
Student Awards
Featherstone Award
Emily Steffke Neuroscience, English, Honors College
Board of Trustees
Cassandra Bloomingdale Theatre, English, Honors College
Madeline Bradley English, Honors College
Sarah Geist English, Honors College
Will Hackbarth English, Arabic
Emma Langschied English
Tiffany McIntyre English, Professional and Public Writing, Honors College
Sophie Schmidt Professional Writing, Citizen Scholar
Abigail Scott English, Professional Writing, Citizen Scholar
Emily Steffke Neuroscience, English, Honors College
LOUIS B. SUDLER PRIZE
Kelsey Walker English
COLLEGE OF ARTS & LETTERS
OUTSTANDING SENIOR ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
OUTSTANDING SENIOR ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Abby Jaroszewicz English, Honors College
ALUMNI AWARD FOR UNDERGRADUATE EXCELLENCE
Sophie Schmidt Professional Writing, Citizen Scholar
National & International Awards
Marshall Scholarship
Emily Steffke Neuroscience, English, Honors College
Goldwater Scholarship
Emily Steffke Neuroscience, English, Honors College
Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (Taiwan)
Tiffany Whittington English