Members of the MSU Summer University Program: Excellence Required presented MSU President M. Peter McPherson with a plaque to commemorate his involvement.

The SUPER program was founded in 1988 to help students transition from high school to life at MSU. The award presented to McPherson was signed by every SUPER member since the program's start.

"He has been an integral part of our program," SUPER program coordinator Betty Sanford said. "He's been there to congratulate our students and assure them that students who work closely with SUPER do well."

McPherson also attended and spoke at SUPER's 15th anniversary celebration, Sanford said.

"He certainly supports university-funded programs, and his positive feelings mean a lot," Sanford said.

There are currently 35 students in the SUPER program. Members take MSU classes the summer before their freshman year and transition into MSU through tutor programs, study halls and faculty support. The program encourages students and helps make MSU easier for those identified as at risk of leaving MSU during or after their freshman year.