EAST LANSING, Mich. — Close to 8,000 Spartans walked across the stage at the Breslin Center this afternoon, as Michigan State University celebrated another graduation.
In this year's graduating class, more than 5,000 students received their bachelor's degrees.
"It’s kind of surreal,” said Mike Gaglioti, graduating with a degree in horticulture. “It happened fast...faster than I ever thought. I graduated in three years...put in some work, stayed here a summer...it was worth it."
"It was emotional...you definitely get a little bit nostalgic, but also everyone's looking forward to the next steps. We're ready to move forward, but we'll never forget Michigan State,” said Tess Cannon, who majored in Biomedical Engineering.
Friday afternoon capped off thousands of memories that will last a lifetime for thousands of Spartans.
That moment was clearly special for a former Spartan ready to take the spotlight one last time.
Former Spartan quarterback Kirk Cousins was happy to be back in East Lansing to give the commencement speech.
“It's nice to talk to an audience who I can say I’ve been in their shoes, been through things since leaving, that hopefully I can give them some counsel,” Cousins said. “But ultimately I think this school will have prepared them well for things going forward."
He gave credit to his Alma Mater. He says they’re a big catalyst for who he is today.
"That sums it up. Michigan State was the springboard and the place to stand, from which anything I accomplish going forward...I’ll say it all started at Michigan State."
He gave four and a half bits of advice – one for each year he spent on campus. His last bit? Enjoy the ride.
"Life goes fast...now I’m married with two kids, so it's amazing to see what happens when you blink."
Many are now curious to know what's next for Cousins – make that Dr. Cousins – the former Spartan earned an honorary doctorate degree in humanities.
"That's the question I’m asking...my brother has a master's degree and my sister has a medicine degree from here, so I’m the only one in the family without a postgraduate degree, so this will have to do for now."
Graduates said having Kirk Cousins as their commencement speaker was the most exciting part of the afternoon, and that they hope to inspire others like he did to them.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Appleand Android
and
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox.
Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
