partan entnel

Michigan State University Varsity ‘S’ Club

NEWSLETTER

VOL. 56 ISSUE 2

Thomas Remembers Earliest Days of the ‘S” Club Room George Thomas, at center above (5th from left in first row) was the President of MSU’s Varsity Club in the mid-1950s, was a player in attaining our club’s room in Spartan Stadium, and significantly jump-started the club’s membership levels and activities. Also notable were MSU Sports physician, Dr. Fuerig, just right of Thomas, and Don Morey, in 2nd row just right of Thomas. (cont. on Page 2)

S P R I N G 2 0 1 3 Michigan State University 2012-2013 Varsity ‘S’ Club 535 Chestnut Rd. - Rm 276 East Lansing, MI 48824 Varsity ‘S’ Club Phone: (517) 355-8523 Fax: (517) 355-7708 Executive Committee Email: [email protected]

President Cheryl Gilliam ’81 Website: www.msuvarsitysclub.org 1st Vice President Wally Dobler ’58 2nd Vice President R. Paul Vance ’01 Secretary Mike Vorkapich ’94 We value your opinion and want to know what Treasurer David Brogan ’56 you think about the Varsity ‘S’ Club Past President Colin Cronin ’94 Newsletter. Send us an e-mail, call or fax with Board of Directors items or topics you would like to see included in Don Behm ’67 Ron Berby ’64 future newsletters. If you have suggestions on Tim Bograkos ’04 Michael Decker ’80 how to improve the publication, let us know. Sue Selke ’76!! Donald Weatherspoon ’67

Young Alumni Elections for the Board of Directors of the Varsity ‘S’ Lauren Aitch ’09!! Erica Mann ’11 A. J. Sturges ’12 Club are held each spring. If you would like to serve on the Board, simply visit our website, click on the Office Staff: Marilyn Bria (Office Hours: M-Th, 12-4; F, 12-3) application tab, print the form, complete, and mail to Newsletter Editor: Ron Berby the the club office.

George Thomas, at left with son Jon, was President of the ‘S’ Varsity Club in 1956. At right (third from right) is Thomas with his fencing team and Coach Charles Schmitter. Jon Thomas was also a Spartan fencer, and President of the ‘S” Club, in 1981 and ’82 (cont. from page one) Shortly after our Winter issue came out, 1950s swimmer/diver Don Morey contacted us, crediting George Thomas for spearheading the making of the Varsity ‘S’ Club into an organized and effective group. Thomas, 84, was in the armed services in Eastern Europe during years of the Korean War. Afterward, on attending MSU, he competed on the fencing team and became active in the Varsity Club, eventually being elected President. He and Spartan hockey/baseball player John Polomsky (deceased in 2011) developed working relationships with Athletic Director Biggie Munn, eventually resulting in Munn and University President John Hannah having a room in Spartan Stadium remodeled for use as a meeting and activity room for the Club. As previous ‘S‘ Club meetings were held monthly, usually at a room which had to be reserved in the Union, Thomas jump-started the club, getting word out to teams to build membership numbers, and beginning to meet weekly and base activites in the newly attained room in the stadium. As a fencer George was All-American in 1955, and Big Ten Champion in 1955 and 1957. His son Chris (deceased) was Big Ten Champion in 1977 and 1978, and won the Dr. Feurig Award as the Outstanding Senior. Chris also lettered in football those two years, playing under Denny Stolz and . Son Jon, pictured above with him, was a 4-year letter-winning fencer, despite missing a season due to an auto accident. He was also President of the ‘S‘ Club, in 1981 and ’82, and won the Varsity Club’s Citizen Athlete Award in ’82. The Thomases leave quite a legacy in Spartan sports and achievement. - Ron Berby

S P R I N G 2 0 1 3 2 Lauren Aitch Reaches her Stride Her Spartan dad Matt put the defensive clamps on Michigan basketball star Cazzie Russell back in the 1960s, and taught Lauren to work toward her goals. But he said not to let basketball define her, but rather to offer her opportunities. After leading Waverly High to the State Class A Championship, she played for MSU but met multiple crises her sophomore year. She tore an ACL and lost a season, her father died, and Coach Joann McCallie left for a job at Duke. But Lauren stayed with MSU basketball under new coach Suzie Merchant, earned her Bachelors, and went on to a Masters. Opportunity came when she played basketball in Copenhagen, Denmark. She spent her off days exploring the city, Denmark’s fashion capital, and she began to draw women’s clothing that came to mind. Her creative instincts took over, and she started to plan her fashion line, Lady Aitch. Playing at Waverly and MSU, Lauren thought little about Lansing, but now she recognized it as a town with a great mix of people and activity, a place to raise kids. So she returned and created Lady Aitch, as well as The Aitch Foundation, which researches detecting the early stages of cancer. Thus, we are proud to announce Lauren Aitch as the winner of the first annual MSU ‘S’ Club’s Cheryl M. Gilliam Young Alumni Award. Athletes Honored as Exceptional Scholars On April 16th, the Student- Athlete Support Services held their 16th Annual Spartan Academic Excellence Gala at the Breslin Center, honoring 275 student-athletes who achieved 3.0 GPAs or better. Overall, MSU student-athletes have a GPA of 3.01, this the 4th consecutive semester they have reached 3.0 or higher. The women’s golf team, shown in the upper left, had the highest women’s team GPA at 3.466. Pictured third from right in the group is ESPN’s Chris Fowler, who was keynote speaker for the evening. Coach Stacy Slobodnik-Stoll was proud her women took their second in a row title. At the upper right is the men’s golf team, who led the way with a 3.36 GPA. Coach Gene Orlando’ crew has won the title for a sixth straight year and a record ninth time. On the lower left is field hockey player and Kinesiology major Corey Block of Chelsea. Hers was the top senior women’s GPA at 3.96. At the lower right is senior Finance major David Ellis of Negaunee, who’s 3.99 led the men. This was the 16th year that SASS has hosted the event, which brings to light the surprising competitive spirit that it has engendered in Spartan Athletes. SASS Director Jim Pignataro reports that MSU athletes earn an 85% graduation rate, a number not seen everywhere.

S P R I N G 2 0 1 3 3 President’s Message

Dear Fellow Spartans and Friends:

We are fast closing in on another successful academic and fiscal year here at Michigan State University. You have seen several positive changes to your club during this time. Many things are happening behind the scenes in the athletic department to grow and improve our Club. With your help, we will become one of the best - if not the best - Letterwinners Club in the nation. Please keep sending us feedback on what you want from our Club. For starters: What types of events would you like us to host in the 2014/2015 year as we celebrate our 100th birthday? What improvements would you like to see in your Club Room? Do you want to bring your team back for a celebration in future Reunion Weekends that we host each year. Did you enjoy the format of this year’s Golf Outing? Do you have feature story ideas for the newsletter? We look forward to your feedback and will respond to it. Contact Alan, Marilyn or myself any time.

In 2013/2014 we will have feature stories on our amazing Young Alumni Letterwinners on what they are doing in the communities where they live, and how they give back. If you know of any YAs who have formed nonprofit foundations or are participating in significant community service eforts, please let me know. We plan to highlight 3 – 4 individuals or groups in each of our quarterly newsletters.

As always, thanks again for this remarkable experience as serving as YOUR President. I am going into my last year; Wally Dobbler will succeed me on July 1, 2014. Your comments are encouraged and always appreciated on how we can serve you better. Whether you live in the Michigan area or around the globe, we aim to meet your needs and please you.

Go Green and Remember We Are SPARTANS FOR LIFE!

Cheryl M. Gilliam, B. S. College of Agriculture, The School of Packaging

Track, 1978 - 1981 Recent Views of Campus

Below: Scenes from the new Brody Hall

S P R I N G 2 0 1 3 4 More Recent

Views

of Our Campus

Spartan Chariot Stadium’s Spartan Way

Cowles House

‘S’ Club Room Broad Art Museum

Old Sparty & Friend

Bygone Award Beaumont Tower

S P R I N G 2 0 1 3 5 Michigan State University Varsity ‘S’ Club Merchant Discount Program The Varsity ‘S’ Club coordinates a program with several campus-area merchants to give club members a discount on purchases when you present your membership card. So if you live in the East Lansing area, or when you visit campus, please patronize these fine merchants who support MSU athletics. Listed below are merchants participating in the program. Discount amounts vary by merchant, so please check with your cashier or waitperson prior to ordering. Albert’s Furniture - 32344 Michigan Ave. - Wayne Applebee’s - 2284 Woodlake Drive - Okemos Arby’s - 2220 Jolly Rd. - Okemos Bell’s Greek Pizza - 1135 E. Grand River Ave. - East Lansing Bravo! Cuchina Italiana - Eastwood Town Center - Lansing College Book Store - Hagadorn Shopping Center - East Lansing Cosi - 301 E. Grand River Ave. - East Lansing Dusty’s Cellar - 1839 W Grand River Ave. - Okemos Emil’s Italian Restaurant - 2012 E Michigan Ave. - Lansing Forest Akers West Pro Shop - MSU Golf Courses Grand Traverse Pie Co. - 1401 E Grand River Ave. - East Lansing Grand Traverse Pie Co - 3536 Meridian Crossing - Okemos Gilbert & Blake Steak & Seafood - 3554 Okemos Rd. - Okemos Harper’s - 131 Albert Avenue - East Lansing Holden & Reid Clothiers - Frandor Shopping Center - Lansing Twp. Kellogg Hotel - State Room Restaurant - MSU Campus Kellogg Hotel - Gift Shop - MSU Campus Leo’s Lodge - 2525 E. Jolly Rd. - Lansing Leo’s Outpost - 600 S. Pennsylvania Ave. - Lansing Leo’s Spirits and Grub - 2085 W Grand River Ave. - Okemos Michael’s (Framing Dept. only) - Frandor Shopping Center - Lansing Twp. Panera Bread - Frandor Shopping Center - Lansing Twp. Panera Bread - 4738 Central Park Dr. - Okemos Reno’s East Sportsbar & Grill - 1310 Abbot Rd. - East Lansing Reno’s West Sportsbar & Grill - 5001 W. Saginaw Hwy. - Lansing Spartan Book Store - International Center - Campus Spartan Hall of Fame Cafe - 1601 Lake Lansing Rd. - East Lansing Student Book Store - 421 E. Grand River Ave - East Lansing Trippers - Frandor Shopping Center - Lansing Twp. Velocipede Peddler - 2758 Grand River Ave. - East Lansing Woody’s Oasis - 1050 Trowbridge Rd. - East Lansing

Additional merchants will be added as the program develops. For more information about the program, contact the Varsity ‘S’ Club office at 517-355-8523 or the committee members listed below: Ron Berby - 517-290-8043, Wally Dobler - 517-372-8096, Eldon VanSpybrook - 248-895-0015

S P R I N G 2 0 1 3 6 ‘WHERE ARE THEY NOW?’ 1950s 1970s Eldon Vanspybrook, Hockey Sue Selke, Tennis 1972-75 - Sue 1990s 1957-60 - Eldon lives near lives in Lansing, MI and for 5 years Colin Cronin, Football 1990-94 - Highland, MI, is retired, and was a was on staff with the US Tennis Colin lives in Haslett, MI. He is a long-time administrator in the Association-Midwest Division. For principal owner of DTN Property Huron Valley School System. He 30 years she has worked for the Management Corporation and has long served on the ‘S’ Club Court One Athletic Club, now serves as its Vice President. He Board, including as its President. serving as its Executive Director. has served on the ‘S’ Club Board, Eldon has initiated several ‘S’ Club She has also served exceptionally is its liason with the Athletic projects, including the coveted as a Board member and volunteer. Council, and has served as the ‘S’ Replacement Varsity Jackets. Club’s President. 1980s 1960s Cheryl Gilliam, Track 1978-81- 2000s Donald Behm, Wrestling 1965-67 Cheryl lives in Portage, MI and R. Paul Vance, Soccer 1998-01 - - Don lives in East Lansing, MI, works for the Kellogg Company. Paul lives in East Lansing, MI and where for decades he has been a Recently she was presented with practices law with the Cline, Cline teacher and wrestling coach. He the MSU Packaging Alumni and Griffin Law Firm, specializing won wrestling Silver in the 1968 Association’s 2013 Service Award in litigation and business law. Olympics at Mexico City, along for her contributions to the Some of his work has been in with numerous medals in world organization. She has served on Flint, his home town. Paul serves competitions. He is retired and the ‘S‘ Club Board, presently on the ‘S‘ Club Board and heads serves on the ‘S’ Club Board. acting as its President. its Membership Committee.

Spartan Player, His Coach Receive Honors Percy Snow, left, was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame. Snow was one of the greatest tacklers in the history of the game, and was MVP of the victorious 1988 Rose Bowl Team. , right, was his coach, and guided the Spartans to seven bowls in 12 seasons. He has been named 2013’s winner of the ‘S’ Club’s Henry Bullough Award

O’Connor Wins Distance Double at 2013 Big Ten Track Championships On the right (no. 6) is Leah O’Connor, leading the steeplechase in a 2012 meet at MSU. A redshirt sophomore from Croswell, Leah has started her collegiate running career impressively. As a freshman, she came from behind to win the 2012 Big Ten steeplechase title, surprising more experienced competitors. This spring she won the steeplechase (1.8 miles over barriers and a water hazard) again, by 13 seconds! She came back the next day in the 5,000 meters (3.1 miles), hung back for much of the race, and powered the last lap to win by 3 seconds, a rare feat more common to juniors or seniors.

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Michigan State University Varsity ‘S’ Club 535 Chestnut Rd., Rm. 276 East Lansing, MI 48824

NOTICES Passings: SAVE THE DATES George Saimes, 71, Football 1960-62 - Died June 5, 2013 - ‘S’ Club Annual Golf Outing Friday, March 8, 2013. Team captain and All- American, he played both fullback and on Aug. 6, 2013 - Spartan Pentwater Pre-season defense, and later was an All-AFL player with Tailgate Party the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos. Sept. 12-14 (Thur.-Sat.), 2013 -Reunion Sam Williams, 82, Football 1957-59 - Died April Weekend - MSU vs. Youngstown State 25, 2013. Williams, a standout defensive Oct. 11, 2013 - Homecoming Parade (‘S’ Club lineman, was later a member of the Detroit members, alumni letterwinners, and families Lions “Fearsome Foursome” defensive line. He welcomed to march) grew up in Dansville, 20 miles from campus. Oct 12, 2013 - ‘S’ Club Young Alumni Tailgate Party before Indiana football game Does your Varsity Jacket, which fit when you were twenty, seem tiny these days? Or, do the moths like it even more than you do? MSU Varsity ‘S’ Club Merchandise Available Online Take heart. -A range of MSU Varsity ‘S’ Club items, such as polo A Varsity ‘S’ Club Replacement Jacket shirts, dress shirts, jackets, hats, sets of glasses, may be just what you need! coasters, flags, and many other items with the new club Interested? Contact the Club office at: logo, are available to be shipped to your doorstep. 517/355-8523 Check it out at: http://msuvac.promoshop.com

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