A Spartan’s Will

Rose Cooper was chosen by her fellow graduates to deliver the senior class remarks at commencement in December 2012.

After more than 30 years of being an on-again, off-again student and overcoming many challenges, she earned an interdisciplinary humanities pre-law degree with an emphasis in Korean language from Michigan State.

Cooper—who’s often seen on campus and around the Lansing community riding her motorcycle and belting out her favorite songs—faced obstacles during her journey, and every time she felt like she’d been knocked down, she got back up. She delivered a rousing, triumphant speech to her classmates and their families, reminding them that no matter how big the challenge, Spartans Will.