Sparty Virtual Race

Ready for a fun challenge? This year, along with my friends at the MSU Alumni Office, I am hosting a virtual 5k to support students who have been impacted by the novel coronavirus.

Participating is simple. 

Anytime between June 14 – 30, 2020, you can grab your family and join the fun from wherever you are. Whether you walk, run or roll, you can complete this virtual race at your own pace, place and time!

Given the circumstances, there is no cost to participate in the race this year. How's that for some good news? However, if you're looking for a way to help financially, we hope you consider making a donation to the Support Our Spartans Student Emergency Needs Fund or the Sparty Mascot Endowment Fund.

Remember to snap a picture in your favorite MSU gear as you race and share it with me and the rest of our Spartan family by tagging @MSUAlumni and @TheRealSparty in your Facebook and Instagram stories!

Interested in donating? Here are descriptions of the funds we are collecting donations for. 

Support Our Spartans Student Emergency Needs Fund

COVID-19 is impacting individuals around the world, and here at Michigan State our students are no exception. You can read more about the university's response here. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to get the support they need during this time.

Through the Support Our Spartans Student Emergency Needs Fund, the Division of Student Affairs and Services assists students by providing immediate financial support when they need assistance with unanticipated emergency expenses surrounding situations such as accidents, illness, death of a family member, fire damage or need for temporary housing. 

During the unprecedented times of this global pandemic, students are experiencing uncertainty, anxiety and concern about their financial circumstances. Unable to work the hours essential for them to meet their needs for the balance of the academic year, students are in a panic wondering what will happen. Your gift can make the difference for a student who will be able to pay the balance of their rent, purchase food or make the payment on their health insurance. There are those who don’t know how they will get home because the cost of the ticket exceeds the resources to which they have access.

You can make the difference by turning the current moments of madness into a moment of unexpected magic for a Spartan. The gratitude will be unparalleled, and your generosity can change a life.

Sparty Mascot Endowment Fund

While Sparty is seen at virtually every athletic and alumni event, the majority of his appearances happen at hospitals, nonprofit organizations and elementary schools. He has comforted terminal cancer patients, toasted with many Spartan brides and grooms and has probably cut more ribbons than a dozen city mayors. In addition, Sparty’s Literacy Tour has introduced tens of thousands of youth to the joys of reading and to the magic of the Spartan spirit.

The Sparty Mascot Program is separate from athletics and is completely self-funded, so we depend on generosity of our alumni, donors and friends to help us keep Sparty looking sharp and accessible to Spartans everywhere. Anyone can help support Sparty and ensure that this one-of-a-kind program remains available by contributing to the Sparty Mascot Endowment Fund.