Dear Readers,

Every graduation issue of The IITians is a celebration of journeys—of the countless steps, sleepless nights, quiet victories, and vibrant connections that shaped who our graduates have become. This 56th Commencement issue for First Semester AY 2025–2026 captures those journeys in snapshots of gratitude, discovery, and hope.

Each page brings together the many voices that make MSU-IIT more than just a university—it’s a living community. Our feature story takes readers through one graduate’s inspiring path to success, while a teacher’s advice to the graduates shares timeless words from one of our most outstanding educators. In Ask IITians, students reflect on lessons learned and dreams waiting to unfold, and the Selfie Shoutout spreads smiles and heartfelt thanks to those who made the IIT experience unforgettable.

We also look back at MSU-IIT’s 2025 milestones, showcasing collective achievements that remind us how far our university has come. And with The Big 25, we explore what shaped the year in technology, pop culture, and beyond—offering a lens into the dynamic world our graduates now step into.

This issue is both tribute and time capsule. It honors our shared past, celebrates the present, and looks boldly toward what’s next. To the graduates, may you carry the IITian spirit wherever your path leads—curious, compassionate, and unafraid to take the next leap.

Congratulations, IITians! Once and always, you are part of this extraordinary community.

All the best,

Michelle Jeanne Casiple Caracut

Editor-in-Chief

Chief-of-Staff and Strategic Communications Director