Issue date: May 15, 2003

Commencement sends 7,302 grads on their way

Photos by G.L. Kohuth

Jane Lubchenco (left), an environmental scientist and marine ecologist who has gained a national reputation for her work in biodiversity, global warming and sustainability, addressed candidates at the MSU advanced degree ceremony, at the Jack Breslin Students Events Center. She received an honorary doctor of science at the ceremony. In addition to discussing challenges facing society and the environment today, Lubchenco urged advanced degree candidates to continue contributing to the world's vast body of knowledge, and to discover personal strengths.

"Celebrate your potential to become engaged. As you learn, celebrate you. We challenge you to become engaged. This is a time when society too, is facing transitions. And, when you run out of brains, use common sense."

A grateful graduate makes a statement during the MSU undergraduate convocation. Of the 5,890 undergraduate degree recipients, 4,243 were spring semester students and 1,647 were summer session students.

Lou Anna K. Simon, MSU interim president, congratulates a graduate at the advanced degrees ceremony, where 1,412 graduate degrees were conferred. Former state sens. Harry Gast of Stevensville and George McManus of Traverse City were recognized for their contributions to the state and the agriculture industry. They both received honorary doctors of agriculture at the ceremony.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm (left) addressed a crowd of more than 3,500 people at the MSU undergraduate convocation held May 2 at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center. She received an honorary doctor of laws at the ceremony. Granholm, using many personal experiences to illustrate her advice, asked the graduates to follow three rules as they begin the next stage of their lives:
•Don’t be afraid to fail.
•On the climb to success, put your ladder against the right wall.
•Don’t just be -- be excellent.