While those familiar with Michigan State University’s campus know where Beaumont Tower is located, most are likely unaware that the second floor of Beaumont Tower is home to the oldest active, student organization on campus – Tower Guard – founded in 1934 by the wife of former MSU President Robert Shaw.
Seventy-three students were chosen on April 21 from the top 5 percent of the MSU freshman class to carry on the tradition of assisting MSU employees and students with disabilities through their involvement with Tower Guard, a sophomore honorary and service society. In order to be chosen for Tower Guard, members must exemplify leadership, scholarship, outstanding character and commitment to service.
Tower Guard members devote at least four hours per week to assisting MSU students who are receiving assistance from the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities. Their time is spent taking notes for fellow students in classes, reading exams out loud and writing down the answers, one-on-one tutoring and translating textbooks and other print materials into an accessible format. Most reading for the blind is done by Tower Guard, thus maintaining MSU’s outstanding service to students with disabilities. For more than 80 years, Tower Guard has exemplified a legacy of Spartan tradition, leadership and commitment to serving persons with disabilities.
A list of inductees can be found at http://undergrad.msu.edu/news/view/id/149.