Dear Spartans and friends,
The holiday season and approaching year-end mark a traditional time of reflection and gratitude. I know I have much to be thankful for, starting with my family and the greater Spartan family who so warmly embraced us over the past year.
From Michigan State’s curious students, community-engaged faculty members and caring staff to our network of enthusiastic alums and partners around Michigan and across the globe, we are grateful to be among Spartans.
Spartan generosity
I had the opportunity last week to salute some truly outstanding Spartans at our annual Alumni Grand Awards gala. The MSU Alumni Office has recognized amazing alums this way since 1946. Very appropriately, the awards put a spotlight on those who model the virtues and values close to our Spartan hearts, including personal accomplishment, service and philanthropy. So, congratulations once again to this year’s Alumni Grand Award honorees!
A generosity of spirit is a common characteristic among our grand awardees, something I know is shared among Spartans. As our thoughts turn toward gratitude and giving back this season, now is an excellent opportunity to support students and others by participating in Michigan State’s version of the global generosity movement, Giving Tuesday, on Dec. 3.
Causes worthy of your support include our Student Food Bank, the first in the nation to be run by students for students. The food bank annually serves more than 7,000 students, visiting scholars and their families who experience food insecurity and limited availability and variety. You might also consider giving to the Support Our Spartans, or SOS, Student Emergency Needs Fund, which provides immediate financial support for emergencies such as health crises, car accidents, death of a family member or loss due to fire or flood.
There’s even an option associated with our College of Veterinary Medicine for emergency pet care assistance among the dozens you might consider supporting through Michigan State. As we count our blessings this season, let’s remember how each of us can be a blessing to someone in need.
Spartan impact
I’m also grateful for the support for our university from the people of Michigan, which we felt in abundance on our inaugural Spartan Bus Tour last month. We visited more than a dozen communities where our research and outreach are improving people’s lives, met university partners and learned more about the needs and dreams of our fellow Michiganders.
We’re now elevating our profile of creating a stronger Michigan through an engaging integrated media campaign that launched this month. It focuses on Michigan State’s contributions to the state’s economy and quality of life through our talent development, research and outreach. You might have seen our billboards, television or digital advertising, and I encourage you to read and tell our stories about Spartans’ will to excel, serve and support our neighbors across the state.
Remembering a Spartan leader
This month, we remember one Spartan who left an indelible imprint on the state, our university and well beyond — and on me, too. Clifton R. Wharton Jr., the 14th president of Michigan State from 1970-78, passed away earlier this month at the age of 98. Many Spartans fondly remember his tenure as the first Black president of a major U.S. public research university during an often turbulent period on college campuses. It was just one of the many “firsts” recorded in his career in higher education, global economic development, business and philanthropy.
I recall the warmth with which Clif and his wife Dolores welcomed Amy and me into the Michigan State family when we first visited them in New York City in April. When I asked for his leadership advice, he urged me to be bold as we reach toward greater accomplishments and impact for this great university.
One of my most treasured mementos is a note from Dr. Wharton congratulating me on my Sept. 29 investiture. I keep the note tucked away in my copy of his autobiography, “Privilege and Prejudice: The Life of a Black Pioneer.” My gratitude for his welcome and guidance is renewed every time I open his book.
I wish you equally fond memories to rekindle with family and friends over the holiday season. Go Green!
Sincerely,
Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D.
(pronounced GUS-ka-wits)
President
Professor, Department of Kinesiology