With an alumni network more than half a million strong, it’s no surprise that there are Spartans in every corner of the world. From Michigan State University alumni vacationing internationally to researchers conducting projects across the globe to current students studying abroad, Spartans are visible everywhere you go.
We recently asked our Facebook audience about the craziest places they’d run into a fellow Spartan, and their answers did not disappoint.
MSU prides itself on being Michigan’s state university, contributing significantly to the state’s economy, talent pool and more. Yet its reach and recognition, and the pride it inspires, extend all across the country.
Whale watching on a catamaran in Maui (I made her sing the fight song with me)
In the Mariposa Grove of Yosemite, I was walking through the redwoods while wearing an MSU shirt. I heard a voice in the distance shouting "Go Green!....". I answered appropriately.
Even across international borders, the Spartan helmet inspires recognition and camaraderie. Total strangers share greetings of “Go Green,” knowing that they’ve met another person who is part of the unique community that is Spartan nation.
On a ship in Antarctica with only 134 people from all over the world
Hiking in Isle of Skye Scotland, at the top of the Old Man of Storr hike. Incredible to hear a Go Green amidst that scenery.
Walking down a random street in Düsseldorf, Germany back when we lived there 25 years ago. Noticed the sweatshirt, gave a GO GREEN and got a GO WHITE in return, and we all went on our way. Made my day 💚🤍
Switzerland and almost any international airport. I say GO GREEN and I always get a GO! WHITE
There’s nothing like the excitement of a celebrity encounter — especially when that person is a Spartan.
At the Jimmy Kimmel show with my daughter in Hollywood. Magic was the guest…we wore our MSU shirts and he pointed to us and said “Go Green” during the commercial break!!
Coach Izzo was coming off an elevator in Las Vegas Nevada. He stopped and chatted a minute with us and then said he had to run. That's a great man as I know how busy he must be.
Cleveland 2025. Met Mark Dantonio finally after leaving Michigan State in 1994 💚 In Ohio of all places 😂
MSU has been advancing the common good for more than 170 years, both through research that is creating a better world for all and through service to our own state and country.
South Africa! On the highway. The only bumper sticker I saw the entire three months I was working there was a Spartan sticker. Turned out it was two researchers helping Zimbabwe with farming.
My husband ran into a fellow Spartan while serving in two overseas missions💚🤍 (he was ROTC at MSU).
No matter where in the world you are, your “Go Green” is never far from a “Go White.”
Love that wherever I go I can run into a Spartan. 🙏🏾
Everywhere. Spartans are everywhere. Go Green!
Is everywhere a good answer? Cause literally everywhere!
We want to hear from you: What's the most unexpected or interesting place you've run into a fellow Spartan? Share your story here.
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Rocky Mountain National Park. He was the ranger at the entrance who said if we could sing the fight song we get in free