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Collections

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  • Turfgrass
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Featured

Editor's picks

  • The Spartans behind your favorite Michigan golf courses

    July 22, 2026

    The Spartans behind your favorite Michigan golf courses

  • MSU in the 1990s: 10 Spartan milestones

    July 14, 2026

    MSU in the 1990s: 10 Spartan milestones

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MSUTODAY
Student Life

Aug. 23, 2023

Our Spartan

By: Ellen Doepke, Kelsie Lane, Anthony Siciliano, Jacob Templin-Fulton, Jennifer Trenkamp, Derrick Turner

August 23, 2023

At the heart of Michigan State’s campus stands The Spartan – who sees some of our most important moments as Spartans. 

Triumph, pride and success. 

Resilience, determination and grit.
 
No matter our different experiences, The Spartan is a reminder that we are part of something bigger, together, here at MSU. And we always will be.

So, whether it’s your first time seeing the statue or you see it every day, take a picture. Remember the moment. Keep it for a lifetime.

Welcome back, Spartans.

See how The Spartan has left its mark on the lives of those in the MSU community:

Michael Andrew and sister in front of Spartan Statue

“My sister and I. We used to walk past the statue as children when we lived in Cherry Lane Village, and we would see people take graduation pictures... never thought that it would be our turn one day after graduating from medical and graduate school.” — Michael Andrew

Large group of students in front of the Spartan statue

“Students from Candice Chovanec's IAH 209:002 class at the end of the spring 2023 semester.” — Candice Chovanec

Dequindre Williamson and son in front of Spartan Statue

“This picture is important to me because this is the first trip with my son to MSU! I talk about MSU all the time and he was very excited to visit mommy’s school!” — Dequindre Williamson

Kim Stuut and Jasper the dog with Spartan Statue

“My husband, Kim Stuut, is a 1977 MSU alumnus. Jasper was our German Shorthair Pointer. This is a special picture because Jasper was so healthy then and travelled everywhere with us. Two years later he developed cancer and the MSU Veterinary Clinic tried to save him. They helped us through the very hard final goodbye. MSU holds many special memories for us including my almost 40 years as an employee.” — Kathy Stuut

Karen Caldwell and Sparty mascot with Spartan statue

“This ‘Sparty squared’ photo was taken in 2010.” — Karen Caldwell

Kerri Cash and wedding party in front of Spartan statue

“This is my wedding photo. I am part of a long line of alumni. We have been football season ticket holders for almost 40 years. Myself and one of my cousins had our weddings on campus at the alumni chapel.” — Kerri Cash

Marilyn Calahan and Spartan statue

“58 years after getting my B.A., and Sparty is still my hero.” — Marilyn Calahan

Group of groomsmen with the Spartan statue

“In memory of one of our great alumni, Ronald J. Fox, a diehard Spartan fan for life (1987–2022).” — Molly Clark

Vintage photo of Jennifer Somerlott in front of Spartan Statue

“This photo was taken on graduation day, May, 6, 1994. I walked passed him daily to and from classes for four years, so I felt he was an old friend. As a third generation Spartan, it just felt right to pose with this symbol of strength and perseverance.” — Jennifer Somerlott

Black and white photo of Jay Greene and grandkids with Spartan statue

“The photo attached includes my cousin, Jay Greene – founder of Spartan Dawg 4 Life (SD4L) gear/former Spartan defensive tackle and his grandkids! #FutureSpartans.” — Vi’Nessa Webster

Selfie of Lisa Danno and her partner in front of the Spartan Statue

“Bringing the love of my life to campus for the first time. 2022.” — Lisa Danno

“Same people about 25 years apart. On the left, I was with my roommate, her boyfriend and my boyfriend (who was actually her boyfriend’s roommate!) By the time, the second picture was taken, we are now married to those boyfriends. 30 years and counting.💚” — Alicia Grazioli

Chelsie Boodoo and husband in academic robes with Spartan statue

“Here is a picture of my husband and me. Daniel received his Ph.D. in physics in May 2023, and I will be finishing up my Ph.D. in biosystems and agricultural engineering.”” — Chelsie Boodoo

Maria Cinzori and friends with Spartan Statue

“To me, The Spartan statue is an anchor in the adventure of higher-level education. Taking graduation photos with The Spartan statue and celebrating the graduation of my friends is a distinct memory of our accomplishments and hard work. Being a Spartan brought us together and it is only fitting to mark the end of one journey and the beginning of another with the statue.” — Maria Cinzori

MEDIA CONTACTS

Jennifer Trenkamp
Student LifeStudent and Campus ExperienceStudent LifeCommencement

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