The Spring 2025 Celebration will be held on Friday, May 2nd from 4pm - 5pm with a reception to follow from 5pm - 6pm. Further information will be added in early 2025.

Winter Graduate Cord Request

If you are a winter graduate who was unable to make the Graduation Celebration in the spring, please fill out the below form to request a blue and silver cord to wear at commencement.

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Basic Information
e.g. Business (B.S.)
Contact Information

Why a First-Generation Graduation Celebration?

The First-Generation Committee is holding a first-generation graduation celebration ceremony at MSU to recognize achievements and contributions of graduating first-generation students. This celebration recognizes and acknowledges their achievements of successfully completing the college experience as well as gives these students an opportunity to be officially recognized and celebrated by the institution.

For decades, students at colleges and universities around the country have been celebrating both their academic achievements and their cultural heritages at specialized commencement events. Many of these events are student-initiated and occur during the university-wide commencement weekend. These events provide a sense of community for minority students who often experience a lack of belonging or lack of acceptance at their institutions. For many students, these celebrations are the payoff for staying in school and friends and families find the smaller ceremonies both meaningful and personal.

The MSU First-Generation Graduation Celebration will include individual recognition of the participating graduates, awarding blue and silver honor cords to be worn at the university commencement ceremony, and a reception.

Who can participate in the First-Generation Graduation Celebration?

Any graduating students who identify as a first-generation college student are welcome to participate in this celebration. Any students graduating in Spring or Fall of the same year are eligible to participate.