As the academic year winds down and the weather warms, Michigan State University’s campus comes alive, not just with the bloom of spring, but with a series of vibrant end-of-year events that capture the heart of the Spartan community. From energetic performances to meaningful celebrations, these moments mark more than the close of a semester. They create lasting memories, unite students across identities, and celebrate the journeys that brought them here.

Across campus, students gather to honor both individual and collective accomplishments. These events go beyond recognizing academic milestones. They affirm cultural identities, personal growth and the spirit of community that defines MSU. Organizations like Culturas de las Razas Unidas (CRU), the Office of Multicultural Enrichment and Advocacy (OMEA), and the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center (GSCC) host ceremonies and workshops that aim to uplift students as their full, authentic selves.

Asking attendees, “What brought you out to this event?” each response echoes a common theme: connection. One anonymous attendee captured the spirit perfectly: “I think it’s awesome that the university supports outlets like this … It makes campus feel more alive.” This sense of vibrancy and belonging is woven through every event, from career fairs to cultural banquets, as well as in the arts.

Among the highlights this spring was Battle of the Bands, hosted by the University Activities Board (UAB) in partnership with college radio station Impact 89FM. Held April 23, just before finals season, the event turned into a high-energy celebration of music, creativity and connection.

Thomas Libecco, a third-year environmental geoscience major, attended to both discover new artists and connect with fellow Spartans. “It’s a great way to meet other students and explore new bands in the area,” he shared. “It’s even better [meeting new people] when there’s something fun happening.”

With a lineup of bands playing a wide range of genres, the event welcomed everyone. It spotlighted local talent while bringing students together through the universal language of music.

When asked, “What is your favorite part about coming to an event like this?” another attendee reflected, “Events like these are important because they show different sides of student life. A lot of us are buried in classes, jobs or other stuff. This is a chance to just enjoy being present, be part of something fun, and support friends.”

Meanwhile, other campus traditions like the Izzo Legacy Run/Walk/Roll have continued to grow in both spirit and impact. This year’s event saw record-breaking participation, with over 7,400 students, staff and community members coming together. The event, named after beloved MSU basketball coach Tom Izzo, is more than a race. It’s a celebration of perseverance, community and service.

Nancy Montoya, a third-year marketing student, was among the many who participated in this year’s run. “Seeing so many Spartans support this common cause was truly amazing and rewarding,” she said. “It was encouraging to know that there's such a strong support system, as a student, future alum, and as part of the Spartan community.”

For Montoya, the event also offered a rare opportunity to give back. “As a student, I felt empowered to participate in a charity run,” she explained. “Being a student often limits our ability to give back, as we’re busy and juggling many responsibilities during these short four years. Finding a way to contribute despite that was incredibly fulfilling.”

She didn’t do it alone, either. “I actually convinced three of my friends to join me, even though I hadn’t run since a previous knee injury,” she said. “It was awesome to see them support the same cause and motivate me to keep going. Overall, it was a great experience, and we all agreed to make it a tradition and participate every year!”

From live music to meaningful movement, MSU’s end-of-year events remind Spartans that campus is more than just a collection of classrooms. It’s a space where celebration and reflection go hand in hand — a place where students don’t just finish their semester, but find themselves, find each other and finish strong, together. Whether drawn by curiosity, the promise of fun, or the desire to support friends and community, these events offer every Spartan a chance to be present, make memories, celebrate achievements and feel the pulse of campus life.

Below, find a full list of the recent events:

March 2025

19 – MSU Criminal Justice Career Fair | Career Services Network
19 – Careers with the Michigan Treasury | Career Services Network
19 – Graduate and Law School – Ask Us Anything | Career Services Network
20 – Grad + Professional School: Personal Statements and Essays | Career Services Network
20 – Dress for the Job: Professionalism Workshop | Career Services Network
20 – OPT Webinar: Full-Time Jobs for International Students | Career Services Network
20 – MSU Social Work Career Fair | Career Services Network
21 – LinkedIn Workshop | Career Services Network
22 – Dia de la Mujer Conference | CRU
24 – Writing Resumes and Cover Letters | Career Services Network
24 – Writing Resumes and Cover Letters | Career Services Network
25 – Career Skills Lunch and Learn: LinkedIn and Networking | Career Services Network
25 – Spring RSOs Transition Workshop | Office of Spartan Experience
26 – MSU Summer Job Fair | Career Services Network
26 – The Road to Law School | Career Services Network
27 – Spring Concert | ASMSU, Impact 89FM, Residence Halls Association + University Activities Board
28 – Off-Campus/Commuter Student Appreciation Day | Office of Spartan Experience
31 – National Pan-Hellenic Council/Multicultural Greek Council | Fraternity and Sorority Life

April 2025

2 – Spotlight | Fraternity and Sorority Life
3 – Writing Resumes and Cover Letters | Career Services Network
3 – Portfolio Reviews | Career Services Network
4 – Lavender Reception | GSCC
6 – APASO Banquet | OMEA
8 – President's Dinner with Students | Student Affairs
9 – Blood Drive | Fraternity and Sorority Life
11 – Medical School Prep – Statements | Career Services Network
12 – MSU Spring Day of Service | Center for Community Engaged Learning and MSU Alumni
14 – KIN Talk with Lilly | Career Services Network
15 – Student Employee of the Year Ceremony and Reception | Office of Spartan Experiences
15 – Veteran Graduation Cord Ceremony | Center for Veterans and Military-Affiliated Students
16 – Spartan Leadership Roundtable | Office of Spartan Experiences
16 – Graduating Spartan Student Leader Ceremony and Reception | Office of Spartan Experiences
16 – Dependent T-Shirt Tie-Dying Event | Center for Veterans and Military-Affiliated Students
16 – NSSC End of Semester Finals Event | Neighborhood Student Success Collaborative
17 – Student Leadership Excellence Awards Program and Reception | Office of Spartan Experiences
18 – MSU Community Engagement Scholars Showcase | Center for Community Engaged Learning
18– Spartan Engagement Ambassadors Showcase and Celebration | Community & Student Relations/Government Relations
19 – Black Grad | Neighborhood Student Success Collaborative
91 – Impact 89FM Student EOY Celebration (invite only) | Impact 89FM
19 – In Joy! Gala | Council of Graduate Students
20 – Countdown to Closeout – Cooking with the Pros | Office of Spartan Experiences
22 – Job Search Webinar | Career Services Network
23– Countdown to Closeout – Rep Your Alma Mater or Wear Spartan Gear | Office of Spartan Experiences
23 – MSU Union Student Awards and End of Year Celebration
23 – Battle of the Bands | Impact 89FM and UAB
23 – Graduation Student Reception | Student Affairs & Alumni Office
24 – Countdown to Closeout – OSE Spartan Café | Office of Spartan Experiences
24 – Take Your Child to Work Day | Throughout Campus
25 – Countdown to Closeout – OSE Groove (Silent Disco) | Office of Spartan Experiences
25 – Latinx Achievement Gala Banquet | OMEA
26 – Izzo Legacy Run/Walk/Roll
26 – SPRC End of Year Event | Student Parent and Caregivers Resource Center
29 – Ceremonial Fire Circle | NAISO and OMEA