Michigan State University will honor more than 10,000 graduates this weekend during its spring 2026 commencement ceremonies, according to an April 30 announcement. The events for undergraduate, graduate and professional degree candidates are scheduled to begin May 1 at the Breslin Student Events Center and the Wharton Center for Performing Arts.
The ceremonies mark a significant achievement for MSU’s newest alumni as they prepare to enter the workforce. University officials say these graduates are ready to contribute to their communities through collaboration and public service.
“As we celebrate the class of 2026, we are not just honoring their academic success, but the purpose and passion that will become the fuel for future innovation and leadership,” said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. “I am confident that our newest graduates will leave East Lansing prepared to apply their Spartan grit and ingenuity to use their voices and talents to lead with integrity and build a brighter future for all.”
This semester’s graduating class includes 8,253 bachelor’s degree candidates from across Michigan’s counties, all U.S. states and dozens of countries worldwide. Among them are members of the Honors College, student-athletes, veterans, students graduating with multiple degrees, as well as recipients of Board of Trustees Awards recognizing those who achieved a perfect grade point average.
Commencement activities run from Thursday, April 30 through Saturday, May 9 at both campus venues. Details about specific ceremony times can be found on MSU’s commencement website. The convocation event is set for Friday afternoon at Breslin Center with remarks from Governor Gretchen Whitmer—an MSU alumna who has signed nearly 1,600 bipartisan bills into law and received several national awards.
Guest speakers include Christopher Fernandez addressing master’s degree recipients in the morning ceremony; he is known for his work in artificial intelligence strategy after holding executive roles at Microsoft. In addition, University Distinguished Professor Ann Austin will speak at the doctoral hooding ceremony; she was recently named a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Ceremonies will be livestreamed online via MSU’s web page while social media users can follow updates using #SpartanGrad26. Safety measures require attendees bring only small transparent bags into venues; food or beverages—including bottled water—are not permitted inside.