The Red Cedar Log is the official yearbook of Michigan State University, established in 1889. The award-winning publication is produced and distributed by students on the RCL staff —students with passions rooted in writing, editing, design, photography and business. Every year, their talents and the stories on MSU’s campus culminate in a collection of Spartan history.
Know a great story about a fellow student or professor? How about an event you think defines the school year? Get in touch and your story or creative submissions could make it in this year’s edition! You can submit ideas using this form. To get involved at the Red Cedar Log, follow us on social media or email us at rcleic@asmsu.msu.edu!
Yearbook Updates
The 2021-2022 yearbook is available now and free to students! Pick up a book at one of the campus locations below. Enjoy the 133rd volume of The Red Cedar Log! If you are a Spring 2022 graduate and had your senior portraits taken through Lauren Studios at the Student Affairs and Services Building, you will receive a yearbook directly in the mail to the address you provided to your photographer. Additional questions can be sent to rcleic@asmsu.msu.edu.
To order a past yearbook, please follow the link (green button below) for shipping and details
The 2022-2023 book is currently in the works. Stay tuned and follow The Red Cedar Log on social media for updates and sneak peeks!
Yearbooks can be found at these locations:
South Neighborhood
- East Neighborhood
Wells Hall
International Center
Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building
Main Library
Student Affairs
MSU Union
Law Library
Ernst Bessey
Senior Portraits
How to Sign Up
E-mails have been sent out with your individual logins in order to sign up. If you have not received an e-mail, follow these steps
1. Go to www.LaurenStudios.com
2. Click on SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT
3. Click on the orange CREATE ACCOUNT tab.
4. Type in the school passcode “GoGreen23”
5. Follow the prompts to reserve your session time.
Dates for senior portrait appointments will be added periodically, extending throughout the Fall semester. Sign up sooner than later as spots fill up fast and no make-up dates will be available. More information regarding senior portraits can be found at http://www.laurenstudios.photos/ or by calling 866-696-8142
Every Shade of Feminism
Students highlight the importance of expressing their stories at MSU’s third annual Fem Fest.
In an animated performance, Deadwitxh performs her unreleased song “Family Matters.” Deadwitxh is Alix Mercer’s musical stage name.
Engulfed by the bright lights of a spinning disco ball and surrounded by students from every corner of campus, the MSU Union ballroom hosted the third annual Fem Fest. Sponsored by Women’s Student Services, Impact 89FM and the MSU Women’s Council, the packed event described itself as a celebration of feminism in the arts, showcasing musicians, poets and event artists.
“I think it’s one of our larger events because people love coming out and seeing and supporting different musical acts and seeing the cool performances,” said Ashleigh Lowe, a third-year arts and humanities student, MC for the event and member on the event’s planning committee. “Other campuses have similar types of events that highlight artists, but the focus at Fem Fest has been on the feminist viewpoint, which is unique to MSU.”
Fem Fest provided students a platform for their art and passion. Beyond that, a clear emphasis was placed on identity. Every shade of feminism was represented, with transgender artists as well as nonbinary ones showcasing their artistic talents. It was a place for women and people of all identities to come together with pride for their work and passion for their unique stories.
Marieke Anderson, a first-year zoology major, staged a live portrait session, where, with markers in hand, they brought colorful drawings of attendees to life.
“Fem Fest is important because it allows people to express themselves,” Anderson said. “To be highlighted and to showcase a variety of people through their performances is an experience that I wouldn’t miss.”
For many of the performers, they were given the opportunity to highlight their own personal journey to Fem Fest. They did this through video introductions played during the event showing off their triumphs, struggles and how it impacted their art.
Taylor Kovach, a recent psychology graduate, shared her poetry about dealing with the nuances of being in both the non-binary and sapphic communities. She said it is crucial to share your story with others.
“For me, feminism is about sharing our feelings and empowering ourselves,” Kovach said. “It’s unique to every individual and we all must share our pride for ourselves.”
Many of the artists at Fem Fest took the opportunity to promote themselves for future opportunities. From a small art gallery to music videos, Fem Fest prioritized spreading the word on Spartan creatives who had a message to put out there. Many artists highlighted were alumni of MSU, and proud of this event hosted on their alma mater’s campus. Each artist highlighted their personal journey that fueled their passion.
Fem Fest encouraged any and all in the Spartan community to join them and declared their support for inclusivity and intersectionality. All individuals of all identities were welcome to enjoy snacks, art and celebrate feminism. Fem Fest is a unique event to MSU, and one that promises to continue welcoming and supporting every student who wishes to express themselves.
NOTE: This revised article is posted to accurately depict the identities of one of the interviewees. The text differs slightly from the 2022-23 yearbook.
Written by Julian Sugameli
Photos by Vivian Barrett