7/17/2003
EAST LANSING, Mich. - NBA all-star and former Michigan State University all-American Steve Smith and his wife Millie have been named honorary chairpersons of MSU's Sparty Project.
The Smiths will lead a worldwide grass-roots effort spearheaded by the MSU Alumni Association regional clubs seeking to raise $500,000 to preserve this piece of MSU history. Alumni clubs and their members throughout the world are working together to help make the project a success.
"Millie and I are proud to be the honorary chairpersons in this effort to preserve this great symbol of MSU," said Smith. "We want to help get the word out that if Spartans around the world work together, we can unveil a new Sparty during Homecoming weekend in 2005."
The Spartan statue, better known as Sparty, has endured Michigan's harsh elements for nearly 60 years. Freeze/thaw cycles and friendly rival "decorators" have taken their toll on MSU's prized ceramic sculpture. It's estimated that under these conditions, Sparty will crumble in a matter of five to seven years.
The Sparty Project includes removal and safe storage of the current ceramic statue and replaces it with a bronze replica. The money also will move the new statue and its unique brick foundation 80 feet south of its current location into the north edge of Demonstration Hall Field.
Sparty was created in 1943 by Leonard Jungwirth, an assistant professor of art. It was dedicated on June 9, 1945, by then Michigan State College President John Hannah. The current statue stands over nine feet tall, weighs 3,000 pounds and is constructed of five ceramic glazed terra cotta clay sections joined by mortar joints.
Smith, an all-star guard with the world-champion San Antonio Spurs and 2000 Olympian, has a history of sharing his time and money to improve the MSU experience for others.
In 2001, the Smiths established a $600,000 endowment for students from Detroit Pershing High School to create a four-year scholarship that brings one student each year to MSU on what is typically called a "full ride." Smith is a 1987 Pershing High graduate.
The Smiths have donated more than $3.1 million to MSU, a record among professional athletes contributing to their alma mater. They previously donated $2.5 million to establish the Clara Bell Smith Student-Athlete Academic Center and a scholarship for Pershing students.
"We're thrilled to have Steve and Millie step forward to get the word out to Spartans around the globe that Sparty needs help," said Karen Wenk, director of development for MSU Campus Park and Planning.
Fund-raising efforts for Sparty's restoration will continue through June 30, 2004, and pledges can be made for up to a three-year period. The new statue is planned to be officially unveiled during MSU's 150th anniversary event in 2005.
For more information or to donate online, visit www.msualum.com/spartyproject