Adam Wright spent parts of his five years at MSU cheering the Spartans, jogging the campus trails and assisting a fellow Spartan, state Sen. Dianne Byrum, on the 2000 campaign trail.
He will now share these memories as convocation speaker for MSU’s graduating class of 2001.
The political theory and constitutional democracy senior said he will enjoy reflecting on his life at MSU with his fellow students. The modest Wright may not take time to mention his 1999 Truman Scholarship or his acceptance into Harvard Law School.
“It is an honor to share my experiences at MSU and give voice to what a lot of students experience at this important time in their lives,” he said.
Wright said he would thank the MSU community in his speech.
“Michigan State is a special place,” he said. “Not only do you get an academic education but the whole community being so close to (the Capitol) prepares you practically for life.”
Wright was chosen last month by the Senior Class Council which coordinates events and projects for the seniors. The Grand Ledge, Mich., native will speak at convocation May 4 at the Breslin Student Events Center. The speaker is selected after a panel of two council members and two faculty members hear the speeches of all those who apply.
The fifth year senior said he didn’t have a major when he came to MSU and meandered his way through college - taking a year off to work with the Onondaga Democrat in her unsuccessful bid to the U.S. House.
“I learned the passion and fire that goes into politics and the absolute commitment that it takes,” Wright said. “School will be here but an opportunity like that will not.”
Wright has worked in House Democratic Caucus Communications this semester, serving as a press secretary for various representatives, while finishing his credits at the university.
“Adam is an incredibly bright and down-to-earth guy,” State Democratic Party spokesman Dennis Denno said. “He is really going to go far.”
Wright said he has enjoyed his time at MSU but is ready to move on. He was accepted and plans to attend Harvard Law School in the fall.
Wright worked as a research assistant for James Madison Professor Ken Waltzer and helped develop the CD-ROM used by IAH 201 classes.
“He is highly organized and disciplined with great follow-through,” Waltzer said. “He is genuinely interested in finding answers to social issues.”
Waltzer said he enjoyed working closely with Wright while researching Louis Hine, an early 20th-century photographer who focused much of his work on documenting the plight of American immigrants.
“Every once in a while a student comes along that makes teaching a dialogue that enriches your life as a teacher,” Waltzer said. “Adam is that type of person.”
Labor and industrial relations graduate student Jennifer Waldo and Wright served as co-directors of the Community Service Network, which helps connect students to organizations in the Lansing area.
“He took the network a step further by developing the service leader position and working with students,” Waldo said.
Waldo, who has known Wright since they attended Beagle Middle School in Grand Ledge, said she was very proud of her long-time peer.
“Personally, it is rewarding to see him grow into things he always was but now is,” she said.
