Anyone who knows the words to the Michigan State Fight Song is no doubt familiar with the third verse: "Spartan teams are never beaten, all through the game they fight."
MSU President M. Peter McPherson stepped off the home turf this summer as a new recruit, trading in his buttoned-down suit and occasional cigar for bullet-proof vests and helmets as financial coordinator for the Office of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance in Iraq.
But this game went into unexpected overtime, and rather than throwing in the towel, McPherson is living up to the Spartan spirit and sticking it through until the end. The eight-member MSU Board of Trustees granted McPherson's request for an extended stay in Iraq to continue repairing the country's troubled economy and to find a replacement.
McPherson has until Sept. 30 to return to campus.
McPherson was named as one of several U.S. officials to assist in the building of the post-war country. McPherson, a former deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Treasury and former vice president of Bank of America, would supervise the reconstruction of the economy, and was slated to return at the beginning of this semester.
But this was not the average summer job. A new banking system and currency are in place, but there is still instability.
And although Michigan weather can be unpredictable, temperatures topping 100 degrees have been the constant in the Mideast country.
Spartans everywhere should be cheering him on, and should not be surprised if he asks for another leave of absence.
Following in the tradition of past Spartans, McPherson has expressed the importance of dedicating community service outside of one's own community.
McPherson's commitment in Iraq should be inspiration to students interested in applying their skills outside of East Lansing.
Former MSU President John Hannah took time out to serve as assistant secretary of defense and manpower and personnel during the Eisenhower administration.
The absence of the president has not delayed operations in East Lansing. Although a lot has been accomplished during his unpaid 130-day leave, there's still a lot to be done.
Interim President Lou Anna Simon, who was a candidate for MSU's presidency at the time of McPherson's hiring, has kept things running smoothly, including tackling a 9.9-percent tuition increase and $31 million in budget cuts. The university is definitely not getting shortchanged with Simon at the helm.
Both Simon taking on several responsibilities and McPherson's determination should serve as an example to everyone, especially those affiliated with this university. It shows that Spartans are ready and willing to take on any challenge, and not afraid to get dirty in the process.
On the banks of the Red Cedar should be a school known to all - at least now there should be. Not only taking on this difficult task, but making sure it gets done right adds more prestige to an already top-notch school.
He has shown that he is dedicated to finishing every job asked of him, because a true Spartan never quits.
