From the Chair, Dr. Todd Fenton:
“On behalf of the entire Department of Anthropology, we offer our sincerest congratulations to the Michigan State University Class of 2020 graduates. We are so proud of all that you have accomplished during your time here and look forward to your future achievements. It has been an honor and joy to watch you grow, both academically and personally.
As we entered your final spring semester here at MSU, we envisioned ending this journey as it began—together. Although we may not be gathered in one place, we are still celebrating you and your successes as a community. While you are taking this time to reflect upon the memories you made here your professors, mentors, and fellow students are also thinking of you. The resilience, determination, and camaraderie that you have demonstrated throughout your academic career at MSU is what we, as Spartans, strive to represent. Thank you, Class of 2020, for continually inspiring us and congratulations on this impressive milestone!”
MSU will be holding a virtual commencement ceremony via their Facebook page beginning at 10am EDT on Saturday, May 16th. The ceremony can also be accessed at www.msu.edu for those who choose not to use Facebook. Members of the 2020 class, their friends, families, and Spartans everywhere are invited to gather online and make this the largest MSU commencement ever, as university leadership recognizes graduates and confers their degrees. The ceremony will feature remarks from President Stanley and the interim provost, as well as musical performances from students in the College of Music.
Traditionally, the Department of Anthropology holds a luncheon following the commencement ceremony in which we honor each of our graduating seniors. We are still hoping to have this celebration in conjunction with an in-person commencement in the future. We ask that you please stay tuned for updates on this important event.
The College of Social Science has developed a virtual space where our graduates can express the pride and fulfillment that comes with their achievements. You are invited to take a look here: socialscience.msu.edu/class2020. This site includes inspirational messages from Interim Dean Designee Mary Finn, our student commencement speaker, outstanding seniors, and others from our Spartan family.
Among these messages, you will find a heartfelt congratulatory video from Clara Devota, our Anthropology Outstanding Senior, to the Class of 2020. Clara, who was featured in our Fall/Winter 2019 newsletter, majored in Anthropology and minored in American Indian and Indigenous Studies. This summer, Clara was selected to be an intern at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. She will assist in the construction and installation of a new permanent exhibition designed through Indigenous perspectives of life-ways and materialities. As our Outstanding Senior, Clara is recognized by the MSU administration for her commitment to academic excellence, and is among the top College of Social Science graduates celebrated for their perfect 4.0 grade point average.
Please join us in congratulating our graduates and, as always, Go Green!