Meet Samarth Shandilya, the 2026 Student Commencement Speaker!

Samarth Shandilya is a senior at Michigan State University, majoring in Supply Chain Management and minoring in Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Originally from New Delhi, India, Samarth plans to join Microsoft as part of the Cloud Supply Chain rotational program in Washington after graduation.

We sat down with Samarth to get to know him ahead of his taking the stage at Spring Commencement on May 2.

I’m from New Delhi, India, and I came to Michigan State to pursue my goal of driving societal change through supply chains, creating pathways for dignified work in underserved communities.

Honestly, my reason for wanting to be the speaker starts with how hard this journey was. I came to MSU with no Plan B, no friends or family here, and not much direction. My first semester, succeeding here felt really far away.

What changed everything was the people. Professors, mentors, and friends at Broad believed in me before I fully believed in myself. Over time, things turned around. I got into Broad, found my place, and now I’m graduating with more than I could’ve asked for.

So for me, this speech is really about our shared experience, struggling, figuring it out, and still choosing to bet on ourselves. And I want the class to take that with them. Keep making those bets after graduation.

“There are so many moments I could point to, getting a dream internship, leading Broad mentorship program, all of that. But honestly, it’s the small moments that made this experience special.” Courtesy photo

There are so many moments I could point to, getting a dream internship, leading Broad mentorship program, all of that. But honestly, it’s the small moments that made this experience special.

Doing case competitions with my closest friends and traveling across the country to represent Broad. Watching Michigan State in March Madness at a Spartan bar in New York. Running into alumni in Boston who instantly felt familiar.

Walking down Grand River late at night and ending up at Insomnia. Going to my first formal with my business fraternity. Even random things, like going on a spring break with friends that ended up meaning a lot more than I expected.

None of those were things I planned. They happened because of the people here. And I think that’s what makes the Spartan experience so valuable.

Photo Credit: Megan Krippner

One class that really stayed with me was IAH 231B, Religion and Violence with Professor Shipley. As a supply chain major, it wasn’t something I expected to connect with as much as I did. But it ended up being one of the most impactful classes I took. I looked forward to it every week, and even now I still find myself going back to the ideas we discussed, especially the conversations around persuasion, conflict, and how people think.

Another one was SCM 373, Logistics and Transportation Management with Professor Peinkofer. I really loved the way he taught, but more importantly, it was one of those classes where you could clearly see how what you are learning applies directly to the real world. That made it a lot of fun.

And then SCM 303, Intro to Supply Chain with Professor Spink, was the first class that really sparked my interest in the field. That was the moment it clicked for me, and everything kind of built from there.

In my experience, the classes that shape you the most are usually the ones you don’t plan for.

Minskoff Pavilion, easily. I’m guilty of spending way too much time there. Whether it was hanging out with friends, meeting new people, getting work done, or just being around the energy, it was always the place I found myself going back to. It made a school this big feel a lot smaller and more connected.

Another spot I really liked was the Union. I used to go there pretty often, especially when I needed a change of pace or a good coffee.

And then 1855 Place was my go-to for combos!

Courtesy photo

I was involved in several organizations that played a significant role in shaping my experience at Michigan State.

I served in Broad Student Senate in multiple capacities, ultimately as Director of Professional Development, where I led initiatives focused on leadership and career development. As a Broad Champion, I engaged with alumni and represented the college in external-facing opportunities.

Through Students Consulting for Non-Profits, I worked as a consultant on pro bono projects with real clients and later served as a Senior Advisor. I was also a member of Delta Sigma Pi, where I served as Pledge Class President and developed a strong appreciation for collaboration and accountability.

In addition, I served as a Resident Assistant in Brody for two years, supporting student communities, and as Director of Human Resources for ASMSU during my sophomore year. I also worked as a Peer Career Coach, providing one-on-one guidance to students navigating their academic and professional paths.

Photo Credit: Megan Krippner

After graduation, I will be joining Microsoft in their Cloud Supply Chain rotational program, in their HQ in Washington, where I’ll be working across different parts of data center and technology supply chains.

I’m excited to build a deeper understanding of how large-scale infrastructure is designed, from network planning to sourcing and operations, especially as it relates to the growth of AI and cloud technologies.

Long term, my goal is to use this experience to help build more responsible and inclusive systems. I want to work on supply chains that not only scale technology but also expand access to opportunity.

Samarth will be taking the stage as the Student Commencement Speaker on May 2, 2026. See the full commencement schedule at the commencement webpage.