Alumni > Sparty >

Sparty Alums

Sparty Alums

Over the years, a select group of Spartans has stepped into Sparty’s legendary boots, uniting the MSU community with pride and tradition. Below is a list of those honored to embody Sparty and keep the Spartan spirit alive. 

2020s

Connor Williams, a graduate in a green cap and gown, stands proudly next to Sparty, the Michigan State University mascot, in front of Beaumont Tower. Both are centered in the image, looking confidently toward the camera from a low-angle perspective, with the iconic brick tower rising behind them.

Connor Williams

Hometown: Mattawan, MI
Major: Economics
Years on Squad: 2021-2024

Favorite Sparty Memories: Sweet 16 in 2023 at Madison Square Garden! That was my first time in New York and it was very surreal. I could not believe I was on the stage, representing MSU and cheering on our basketball team. I was super excited and a little nervous. And I was starstruck when I saw Carmelo Anthony in the backrooms. 

2010s

The Michigan State University mascot, Sparty, dressed in a green and white Spartan warrior costume, reaches out to high-five a young girl wearing a white shirt and black shorts during a lively outdoor parade. The street is lined with spectators, including families and children, watching the event under a bright, sunny sky. Trees and various parade participants can be seen in the background.

Drew Davis

Hometown: Northville, MI
Major: Supply Chain Management
Years on Squad: 2015-2019

Favorite Sparty Memories: What means the most about being Sparty is giving back to the community. I was doing a pep rally in the city and dancing with fans. One fan I danced with had special needs and as any Sparty would, I gave him all the time he wanted to dance and all my attention. What I didn’t see was the mom of that child. Crying, she said she’d never seen her child so happy before.

2000s

A smiling man with a beard wears a green Nike polo shirt with a white collar and a "UAB" logo on the chest. He also wears a white baseball cap with a navy blue "D" logo, representing the Detroit Tigers. Behind him is a retail store with neatly arranged colorful clothing on shelves and racks. His arms are slightly cropped out of the frame, indicating he is possibly standing with others.

Eric Palmer

Hometown: Grosse Pointe, MI
Major: Advertising
Years on Squad: 2007-2009

Favorite Sparty Memories: In 2008, it was announced that Sparty would be on the cover of EA Sports’ new “NCAA Football 09 All-Play.” The final came down to Sparty and Butch T. Cougar of WSU. Sparty managed victory in the last hours of the competition. It was HUGE that Sparty graced the cover of a major video game. It’s a bit disappointing that the game isn’t very good, but I still proudly own two copies!

1990s

Sparty, the Michigan State University mascot, is walking across a basketball court, stepping over the center-court logo for the 1999 NCAA Final Four in Tampa. The hardwood floor features a colorful tournament design, and Sparty is dressed in his traditional green and white armor with a plumed helmet, looking straight ahead as he moves.

Jeff Miller

Hometown: Okemos, MI
Major: Electrical Engineering
Years on Squad: 1998-1999

Favorite Sparty Memories: I had a wedding event in Grand Rapids and at the hotel, the front desk guy said “Sparty!! I can’t believe you’re here. Some Spartans here would LOVE to see you.” He said I should storm in as a surprise. I plow the doors open and realize that I saw nothing but maize and blue. I put my hands over my eyes, turned around and got the heck out of there! I got punked!