Celebrating Milestones, Embracing Possibilities
The Office of First-Generation Student Success is proud to announce the Second Annual Stoling Ceremony for first-generation students at Michigan State University.
We are extremely grateful to Mike and Michele Alston for their generous gift to make this event possible. The Alston’s are excited to play a role in building affinity and sense of belonging for first-generation students.
All first-gen students graduating in Spring, Summer, and Fall of 2026 are invited to attend the Stoling Ceremony. If you are not available to attend the ceremony, stoles will be available for pick up the week following the event.
If you have any questions, please contact us at firstgen@msu.edu.
Apply to be the Student Keynote Speaker!
We’re looking for an inspiring student voice to serve as the featured speaker at the 2026 First-Generation Stoling Ceremony. This is your chance to celebrate your journey, uplift fellow first-gen graduates, and share your story in a powerful 5–7 minute speech.
Eligible speakers must:
- Identify as first-generation student, neither parent/guardian completed a 4-year university or college degree,
- Be graduating from MSU in the 2026 calendar year, and
- Be able to attend the Stoling Ceremony on April 22nd from 6:30–8:30 PM.
- Apply by April 1, 2026 before 11:59PM
