Christina L. Myers is an assistant professor in the School of Journalism in Michigan State University’s College of Communication Arts and Sciences. These are her remarks from the closing reception of the inaugural Spartan Bus Tour. During the tour, 60 faculty members and administrators traveled for three days across the western Lower Peninsula of Michigan learning about MSU’s impact around the state.

Christina L. Myers points to her signature on the Spartan Bus Tour bus. Participants signed the bus to commemorate their time together at the end of the tour. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

To President Guskiewicz, thank you for your vision. To everyone involved in organizing the inaugural Spartan Bus Tour, and to my amazing colleagues who have become dear friends, thank you.

Thank you for being a demonstration of a community within a community that truly has a heart and passion for people, purpose and progress. We are a vibrant group of people, shaped by diverse experiences, united for a single mission: a living testament to Spartans Will. Some of us are lifelong Spartans who have dedicated decades to this community, while others, though not Michigan natives, have been enchanted by its charm. We encompass a range of talents: poets, engineers who have seemingly surpassed the boundaries of established science, athletes, musicians, just to name a few.

But one thing remains clear: we are a beautiful bouquet of individuals from diverse lived experiences, who came together for a 700-mile journey to explore what it means to be a Spartan. Our shared commitment to Michigan State has united us in the spaces we’ve visited. And what will continue to connect us moving forward are those intangible qualities.

Raven L. Jones, associate professor of education; Christina L. Myers, assistant professor of journalism; Tammye Coles, director of the Office of Spartan Experiences; Sherri Reese, director of MSU Human Resources; and Bree E. Holtz, associate professor of advertising and public relations, pose for a photo during a reception at the Muskegon Museum of Art. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

Colleagues — some strangers meeting for the first time — joined together for a single mission: to spread our love and passion for the university we are fortunate to be part of. Over these three days, we forged a community and a sense of family, driven by a strong passion for our research and teaching and a love for being a Spartan. More importantly, we gained a deeper understanding of the shared purpose that guides us in this endeavor as we encourage fellow Spartans. These are memories we will cherish.

We will cherish the sense of brotherhood and sisterhood, honor and warmth encompassed in a simple yet moving exchange of blankets: we all felt the warmth in the room. We witnessed the ingenuity of a humble business and community. We witnessed what “strength through partnerships” truly means, how service to country, service to others, service to a cause greater than ourselves is the definition of “I am my brother’s and sister’s keeper.” We trekked through a hidden gem tucked by the river, indulged in the bitter and sweet tastes of Michigan-grown wines and the innovation in fruit production and preservation, climbed high peaks while enjoying the peace of basking in all that nature provides. So much have we experienced.

I can hear the joyful laughter resonating from our vibrant campus on wheels, a spirit that filled every moment of our three-day journey I experienced that love and joy in fresh ways, unlike anything I’ve felt during my two years at Michigan State.

For me, I finally know what it means, what it feels like to be a Spartan.

Because Spartans will be a source of strength, supportive in the mission, dreams and future of all those who consider us home.

Christina L. Myers during the bus tour’s stop at Martinez Farms in Conklin, Mich. Photo by Garret Morgan.

Spartans will exude pride, not in a boastful manner, but by knowing that there are lives being touched in every corner of this state, country and world.

Spartans will leave you in awe of the unimaginable possibilities that have been achieved and that which have yet to be conceived or discovered.

Spartans will be resilient, holding to a radical acceptance that excellence is the minimum expectation as it is our way of being innate to our culture.

Spartans will lend their time, talents and treasures to cultivate a tenacious community of innovators, educators, administrators, partners, thought leaders, dreamers achievers.

Spartans will anticipate greater, what’s next, because there will always be a next. There’s always more work to do, more lives to impact, more voices who need to be embraced, more cultures who need a space, more opportunities to live better, give better, be better.

And Spartans will never forget that everything we need to succeed is already within us.

I always leave my students with an affirmation, so I’d like to do the same for all of you today:

On our hard days, challenging days and even the moments that leave us tired, weary or drained, remember the glimmers, the moments in our day that make us feel joy, happiness, peace or gratitude — that little light within that brings a smile to our face. Remember the glimmers of these three days. Let us continue – together – from this day forward, to maintain what we’ve attained in unity and community to continue working toward a sustainable future for those who have the great privilege and blessing of touching the lives of those across this great state and beyond. Let what we’ve felt, what we feel in this moment be shared with all those we come in contact with us. And remember: Spartans will because we already and always have.