Maddy Eischer, who is graduating in May with a dual degree in Apparel and Textile Design (ATD) and Genomics and Molecular Genetics, was selected as the Spring 2022 College of Arts & Letters student commencement speaker. A member of the Honors College, Eischer also is graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA and is a recipient of Michigan State University’s Board of Trustees Award.
The College of Arts & Letters commencement ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, May 8, at 9:30 a.m. at the Breslin Student Events Center. Following two years of pandemic restrictions, Michigan State University’s Spring 2022 Commencement Ceremonies will return to the pre-COVID pandemic format and will not require masks or have capacity restrictions.
From Brighton, Michigan, Eischer was the valedictorian of the South Lyon East High School Class of 2018 and spoke at her high school graduation. She wanted to complete the full-circle moment by also representing her graduating college class at commencement.
“I have had a unique experience at MSU with my two distinct degrees and have always loved talking about my journey with others,” Eischer said. “Additionally, the College of Arts & Letters has been an incredible resource allowing me access to many experiences and opportunities, and I wanted to give back to the college that has given so much to me.”
Upon careful reflection of the last four years, Eischer said she wants her commencement address to not only acknowledge the hardships the campus community has faced, but most importantly, the traits it took to overcome them.
“It is very important to me that I discuss our resilience as students, people, and Spartans, and how I know we will all be able to persevere through anything that comes our way in the future.”
“I want to connect my own experience with those of my peers and speak to how we have all been able to foster so much joy and strength,” she said. “It is very important to me that I discuss our resilience as students, people, and Spartans, and how I know we will all be able to persevere through anything that comes our way in the future.”
As an MSU student, Eischer split her time between working in chemistry labs and textile studios while seizing a variety of opportunities that came her way within the art and science fields.
She advanced greatly in the fashion sphere and became Co-President of the MSU Fashion Design Student Association, Student Supervisor for the ATD Department, and a member of the Fashion Relations Team for VIM Magazine. She also worked closely as an Undergraduate Research Assistant with Theresa Winge, Associate Professor in ATD, and Patrick Venta, Associate Professor in Small Animal Clinical Science.
“Some of my favorite on-campus moments include being front row in the Izzone with my best friends, designing for multiple fashion shows and exhibitions, educating students on the topics of sexual assault and relationship violence through my work for the Prevention, Outreach, and Education Department, and meeting all the wonderful faculty and peers who have made such an impact in my life,” Eischer said.
“My experience at MSU was filled with an abundance of joyful moments and personal growth. I made lifelong connections and had mentors who helped me explore and discover my passions and values. I learned so much about myself and my tenacity.”
After graduation, Eischer plans on taking a gap year to travel and spend the summer in New York to “experience the excitement and energy of the fashion and beauty industries” while working for a skincare company in the city. She then plans to apply to medical school to combine her artistic eye and passion for medicine by becoming a plastic surgeon or dermatologist.
“My experience at MSU was filled with an abundance of joyful moments and personal growth,” Eischer said. “I made lifelong connections and had mentors who helped me explore and discover my passions and values. I learned so much about myself and my tenacity.”
Written by Kseniya Lukiy
