Upfront: It's Great to be a Spartan
It's really great to be a Spartan! I have enjoyed my relationship with this wonderful institution from the first day I arrived on campus in 1963. Of course I was slightly overwhelmed at the size and population of the campus (40,000+ students as compared to my hometown of 12,000). But the transition was easy and smooth. Everyone was very helpful and friendly. And there was so much to see and do.
Beyond my academic education, I experienced and learned so many other things the world and MSU had to offer, such as music, art, theater, sporting events and life in general. My four years at MSU went by with lighting speed. And I'm sure there were things I missed along the way, but probably very few. Those years of my life were fulfilling and I still cherish the memories. The education and network of friends and business acquaintances I acquired through MSU have served me well over the years.
For the past 12 years, I have tried to give back to this great institution. It's my way of saying 'Thank you' for all my alma mater has done for me and to help ensure its continued success. I've been very active with my School (The School of Hospitality Business), my college (The Eli Broad College of Business) and now with the National Alumni Board of the MSU Alumni Association, which I chair. All this involvement has been very rewarding. In case you are wondering, I've been fortunate enough to join the Presidents Club.
I've met many alumni as my business takes me around the world. So many MSU graduates are doing so many great things. And all of us have one common bond--we're all Spartans. There are so many good things happening at MSU. Recently I introduced President McPherson as our 'Good News President.' Pick up any local newspaper--even the Wall Street Journal--listen to any local radio and/or television station and you'll hear only good news about MSU under his dedicated leadership. The list of his accomplishments is much too long for this column, although you've been reading them in this magazine. I'm proud to be a Spartan. In this world of change, it's comforting to know that there remains one constant. Michigan State University remains the outstanding land-grant university. This status is a function of many improvements in every area of the University-- raising the bar of achievement, and providing our students with 'cutting edge' opportunities. It's great to be a Spartan!
But all of this 'Good News' requires everyone affiliated with MSU to get involved. We, as alumni, should be very proud of our students, faculty, staff, administration and trustees. They have individually and collectively dedicated themselves and have numerous achievements. We, as alumni, must make a conscious effort to perpetuate this good news every day in every way. We comprise some 350,000 alumni worldwide, and we need to make our strength in numbers count. You National Alumni Board has risen to this challenge by developing a Strategic Plan. At the same time, the MSUAA has re-engineered its staffing and responsibilities. Both of these actions have taken place to better serve you and your university.
Our Strategic Plan comprises eight initiatives:
- Globalization
- Advocacy
- Communications
- Student Activities
- Internships and Job Placement
- Marketing/Promotion
- Revenue sources
- Membership.
I hope you will become involved with this plan as it unfolds in the future. Our tag-line is 'What You Can Do For MSU!' How well we maintain 'Good News' and continue to be outstanding depends in part on you. There are many ways that you can help. Get involved with your department/school, college, club and/or other associations you have had at MSU.
Finally, thanks to the thousands of you who are already involved. I know so many wonderful stories about alumni who serve as resources for MSU in so many different ways. As I said, it's great to be a Spartan.
GO GREEN!
