It seems like just yesterday students were moving into the residence halls in the rain. We were fortunate to have a mild late summer and fall, with beautiful autumn colors. I’m not quite sure I’m ready for the cold, dark winter days — but it seems we don’t have much of a choice. I think they call this Michigan!
Last week, I attended the Fall Graduation Reception at Cowles House. Many members of this graduating class began their Spartan journey during the height of COVID-19. As I mingled with the graduating seniors and graduate students, several recognized my name and said, “So you’re the Vennie Gore who sends me emails!”
I couldn’t help but laugh and ask, “Did you read the whole email? Because at the end, there was a link for a free meal on campus.” I already knew the answer. Over the years, fewer than 50 students have clicked that link. The most common response? “I got distracted,” or “It was too long.” When they realized they missed out, they asked if I could send another one. Young people, what are we going to do?
As we continued to talk, I wasn’t surprised to learn that many of them had worked on campus during their time at MSU. Some worked in dining, others in landscape services, MSU IT or research labs. As they reflected, each one shared how those experiences taught them responsibility and skills they couldn’t have learned in the classroom. What struck me most was how warmly they spoke about the people who helped them grow along the way. Their stories showed a truth we sometimes forget in the rhythm of our work: students remember the human connections as much as the academics. They leave here shaped not just by what they studied, but by the people who believed in them, guided them and gave them room to thrive.
These conversations were a reminder that our work reaches far beyond the routines of a semester. Every interaction — whether serving a meal, fixing a network issue, answering a question, tending our grounds or mentoring a student employee — becomes part of the Spartan experience they carry with them for life. The lessons they described to me were not accidental; they were built through your care, your consistency, and your belief in their potential. You create the moments they look back on with gratitude, the memories that stay with them long after they walk across the stage.
As the semester comes to a close, thank you for making a difference. Enjoy this time with family and friends. If I don’t see you before winter break, I wish you a happy holiday season. I’ll see you in the new year.
V.