More than 13,500 fall, spring and summer 2020 graduates were previously given a virtual commencement ceremony as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was announced in July they were able to sign up for the September in-person ceremonies.

For safety reasons, all attendees will be required to wear appropriate face coverings indoors and no bags or purses will be allowed.

Cameras and camcorders will be permitted, but cases are prohibited. Everyone will enter through metal detectors as well. No food or beverages will be allowed inside but the Breslin Center will offer a limited concessions menu.

Distinguished alumni, such as Dan and Jennifer Gilbert and Robert H. Grubbs, will present graduates with recorded messages. 

Dan Gilbert is the Founder and Chairman of Rocket Companies, Quicken Loans — the nation’s largest mortgage lender — and the Rock Family of Companies. He also serves as the Chairman of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers. He graduated from Michigan State with a bachelor’s degree in 1983.

Jennifer Gilbert, Dan’s spouse, is the Founder and Creative Director of Pophouse, a commercial design firm. She also is the Founder of Amber Engine and Doodle Home. She graduated from Michigan State with a bachelor’s degree in interior design. 

Robert H. Grubbs, deemed an MSU Visiting Hannah Distinguished Professor, is a chemist who is currently the Victor and Elizabeth Atkins Professor of Chemistry at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, California. He is also a recipient of the 2005 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his contributions to the field of olefin metathesis. Grubbs served as a faculty member at MSU from 1969-78.

Grubb’s message will be played to the advanced degree recipients at the ceremony on Sept. 17 at 2 p.m. and Dan and Jennifer Gilbert will present their message to the baccalaureate degree recipients on Sept. 18 and 19 at 2 p.m.