I recently came across a Tumblr blog, msufacts.tumblr.com, that posts pictures, facts and histories of many tradition and buildings on campus. Started by an “official campus tour guide,” the website offers a unique glimpse into MSU life, our history and our roots.
And it got me thinking: After looking at parts of the school’s history, how was it going to play into my personal history? What made this place so memorable to me? When I bring my kids here, what will I say about my time here (and more importantly, how will I persuade them to be future Spartans)?
Our history is deeply rooted in tradition. We were the first land-grant institution in the U.S. and became a model for other land-grant schools under the Morrill Act of 1862. We have one of the largest residence hall systems in America, thanks in part to former MSU President John A. Hannah.
We’ve gone to 14 NCAA basketball tournaments under men’s basketball head coach Tom Izzo we’ve beat our rival University of Michigan four times in a row under football head coach Mark Dantonio.
We’ve changed the world with our research. We’ve been innovative. We’ve been persistent. As a family friend once told me, “MSU isn’t afraid to get their hands dirty. They’re the doers.”
With that mindset, I look at homecoming week as something extremely special. Oftentimes when we get caught up in our day-to-day drama, we don’t take the time to appreciate what we have. Sometimes I often forget how special it is that I attend MSU — that I am a part of this huge alumni network.
I forget how special it is to be anywhere in the country and to be stopped with a “Go Green” just because I’m wearing a MSU shirt and I know the response.
Our student body is from all 50 states, 130 different countries. We have students from every single county in Michigan, from all different races, religions and backgrounds.
Isn’t that a special thing?
And beyond the bigger things, this place is memorable for the little ones, too. It’s a part of my personal history forever. I know the friends I’ve made here will be by my side for the rest of my life.
I will never forget my first midnight scream, my first MSU tailgate. The first MSU football game I went to and I screamed so hard I lost my voice, Campbell Hall in the spring time, shaking Izzo’s hand at the Izzone Campout, being front row for Passion Pit at the MSU Auditorium — just some of the memories that have made my time here so wonderful.
We are a part of Spartan nation. We bleed green. Everywhere we go, we always belong to this group. We are a part of something bigger than ourselves. We are a part of a tradition that started long before us and will continue on long after we are gone.
Homecoming is a time for alumni to come back, to reminisce. It’s a time for us current Spartans to band together and revel in the glory that is MSU.
It’s a time for all of us to remember what it means to be a Spartan.
Kate Jacobson is The State News editor-in-chief. She can be contacted at jacob171@msu.edu.
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