Colonel Jason Evans, Michigan Attorney General’s Office, Division Chief of the Corporate Oversight Division; Honorable Molly Greenwalt, Chief Judge, 54B District Court; Kirsten Piliste; Honorable Wanda Stokes, 30th Judicial Circuit Court; Michael Sant’Ambrogio, Dean MSU College of Law
Kirsten Piliste is a third-year law student and President of the MSU College of Law Student Veterans of America. She is a 20-year veteran of the United States Navy.
After 20 years in the U.S. Navy, it was time for my last voyage. I was somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean staring into the night. The big dipper was more vibrant than I had ever seen on land, waves lapping at the side of the ship trailed by the photoluminescent in the sea. What to do next? For some it can be an overwhelming decision. For me it was simple – time to become a Spartan.
Ever since I was little, I had wanted to be a lawyer. My parents said it was because I liked to argue. But I just wanted to defend others and stand up against injustice. This desire was only heightened through serving with people of every racial, ethnic, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and social-economic background. So, I applied to Michigan State University College of Law, and my legal journey began.
To say the student body at MSU is impressive in an understatement. I am surrounded by hundreds of brilliant students with legal experience ranging from non-profit work to the Department of Justice.
Trying to navigate this new landscape is challenging and requires mentorship. Upon my arrival, I found that mentorship for veterans was lacking and membership of the Law Student Veterans of America (SVA) was so low that after my first year the student organization nearly disbanded.
Thankfully, the Class of 2026 veterans rallied and provided leadership for the upcoming year. I was elected President and proposed to law college leadership a 2025 Veterans Day celebration.
With the full endorsement of the College of Law and enthusiastic participation of several student organizations, the 2025 Veterans Day became a weeklong event.
Each day provided networking and employment opportunities for the students while highlighting the role veterans play in the legal system. Veterans Day was celebrated with a meal and stories; but the community broadened to include active-duty military, City of East Lansing, and MSU Police.
The event we planned gave students, faculty, staff, and alumni a change to come together and share a meal. A slide show played in the background displaying pictures and messages of thanks. Everyone was invited to share their story of service or of a veteran in their lives.
As my time as a student draws to a close, this will be one of the most memorable experiences, when different institutions, student organizations, and individuals become unified.
The diversity and breadth of involvement to honor veterans have demonstrated a commitment to ensuring the longevity of support for veterans at MSU.
Therefore, when I am asked if I am proud to be a Spartan, the answer will be “Yes, and proud to be a part of the Spartan Community.”
After 20 years in the U.S. Navy, it was time for my last voyage. I was somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean staring into the night. The big dipper was more vibrant than I had ever seen on land, waves lapping at the side of the ship trailed by the photoluminescent in the sea. What to do next? For some it can be an overwhelming decision. For me it was simple – time to become a Spartan.
Ever since I was little, I had wanted to be a lawyer. My parents said it was because I liked to argue. But I just wanted to defend others and stand up against injustice. This desire was only heightened through serving with people of every racial, ethnic, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and social-economic background. So, I applied to Michigan State University College of Law, and my legal journey began.
To say the student body at MSU is impressive in an understatement. I am surrounded by hundreds of brilliant students with legal experience ranging from non-profit work to the Department of Justice.
Trying to navigate this new landscape is challenging and requires mentorship. Upon my arrival, I found that mentorship for veterans was lacking and membership of the Law Student Veterans of America (SVA) was so low that after my first year the student organization nearly disbanded.
Thankfully, the Class of 2026 veterans rallied and provided leadership for the upcoming year. I was elected President and proposed to law college leadership a 2025 Veterans Day celebration.
With the full endorsement of the College of Law and enthusiastic participation of several student organizations, the 2025 Veterans Day became a weeklong event.
Each day provided networking and employment opportunities for the students while highlighting the role veterans play in the legal system. Veterans Day was celebrated with a meal and stories; but the community broadened to include active-duty military, City of East Lansing, and MSU Police.
The event we planned gave students, faculty, staff, and alumni a change to come together and share a meal. A slide show played in the background displaying pictures and messages of thanks. Everyone was invited to share their story of service or of a veteran in their lives.
As my time as a student draws to a close, this will be one of the most memorable experiences, when different institutions, student organizations, and individuals become unified.
The diversity and breadth of involvement to honor veterans have demonstrated a commitment to ensuring the longevity of support for veterans at MSU.
Therefore, when I am asked if I am proud to be a Spartan, the answer will be “Yes, and proud to be a part of the Spartan Community.”
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