Fall Convocation Welcomes Largest Class of Freshmen

Provost Teresa K. Woodruff extended a warm and enthusiastic welcome to freshmen at the Breslin Student Event Center on Monday, August 30, during the fall 2021 convocation.

The annual ceremony is intended to formally induct new students into the MSU community, showcase distinguished faculty, and inspire Spartans to embrace all that MSU has to offer.

The new Spartans filled the stadium to receive the official welcome from the MSU community by President Samuel L. Stanley, Woodruff, Acting Vice President for Student Affairs and Service Vennie Gore, and Associate President for the Undergraduate Education and Dean of Undergraduate Studies Mark Largent.

The Associate Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Emily Sorroche, followed Woodruff with a reading of recognition of the land – a formal statement that recognizes, respects and affirms that there is a continuing irreducible relationship between indigenous peoples and the land.

Then, the deans and professors individually welcomed the new students on behalf of their respective colleges and offices.

After the welcome, Woodruff returned to introduce Largent as the host for the remainder of the ceremony.

“I’m hot, and I’m masked, and I don’t care,” Largent said. “I am so very happy to be here. Administrators, staff and faculty, we have missed what we are going through today and we are extraordinarily excited about this fall.

Largent then welcomed MSU students and professors to speak.

Addison Walton, senior in arts and humanities, read his original poem titled “Precious,” while Marcos Caballero, associate professor in physics and astronomy, offered a message of support, belonging, opportunity and hope. to new students who may feel the anxiety that comes with such a big change.

Michigan State University Student Associate President Georgia Frost shared her story of homesickness, estrangement and loneliness. She said that over time she has found her home in MSU, and with patience the new Spartans will too.

Nikunj Agarwal, senior in environmental economics and agribusiness management, welcomed international students and Ishwari Kapale, second year computer engineering student, explained how the Spartan community inspired her , challenged, helped and welcomed her.

Finally, Stanley closed the ceremony with the official induction of the largest entry class in MSU history.

“As the 21st President of Michigan State University, I extend a warm welcome to you and formally induct you into the Michigan State academic community, with all the rights and responsibilities that this confers on you,” said Stanley. “May you grow and prosper here on the banks of the Red Cedar River and enjoy all that Michigan State University has to offer. I offer you my congratulations on your accomplishments so far and my best wishes for all that awaits you. “