Michigan State University alumnus Tyler Oakley, 2011 graduate of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, will serve as the grand marshal for MSU’s 2017 Homecoming Oct. 15-21.
Oakley is an independent creator on YouTube – one of the largest digital platforms to date. With nearly 8 million subscribers on YouTube and more than 23 million across his social media platforms, he has been established as one of the most influential LGBTQ+ vloggers and is an A-Lister in the digital age. Oakley has gone on an international “Slumber Party”-themed tour, was on the New York Times Bestseller List for 11 straight weeks for his book “BINGE,” released the documentary “SNERVOUS” and, along with his best friend Korey Kuhl, launched “Psychobabble,” a weekly podcast discussing “unfiltered gossip” and untold stories that has climbed to No. 1 in the iTunes podcast chart. Currently, Oakley hosts the show “The Tyler Oakley Show” on ellentube.
Among his many accomplishments, Oakley has been a consultant for President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama on using digital platforms to connect with youth; has raised more than $1 million for The Trevor Project; and has been nominated – and won – numerous awards.
He also was named one of Time Magazine’s “30 Most Influential People on the Internet,” included in The Hollywood Reporter’s “Top 25 Digital Stars” list two years in a row and is on the 2017 Forbes “30Under30 list.”
“Growing up in Michigan, I always hoped I’d someday study at MSU, and when I was accepted, I was so excited for the education and experiences to come as a Spartan,” Oakley said. “Whether it was life as an R.A. in Wilson Hall, my time spent working as a telemarketer reaching out and connecting with alumni or the invaluable communication courses, my experiences at MSU made me who I am.
“Ten years ago, I made my first video in my dorm room at Michigan State, and I’m honored to be returning as MSU Homecoming grand marshal an entire decade later.”
Many activities are scheduled for Homecoming 2017, including weeklong campus and student events, the Homecoming parade, college events, the Alumni Grand Awards Gala, the Green and White Homecoming Brunch and the Homecoming football game vs. the Indiana Hoosiers.
