Third Annual MSU Student Memorial Tribute Trees Walk & Reflection Event

February 13, 2023, united Spartans with the common intention to stand with the families of students lost and affected on that tragic day. The Rock was painted with the message "Always A Spartan" and the names of Brian, Alexandria and Arielle. Many Spartans were not aware that MSU had adopted "Always A Spartan" in 2013 to honor students who pass away during an academic year.

Since 2014, Michigan State University has planted a tree annually to honor these students. Trees are planted in various areas of campus alongside a bronze plaque noting the names of these special Spartans. These students, along with Brian, Arielle and Alexandra, remain in our hearts and minds. Our club is committed to ensuring our local community is aware of these trees and helps keep the memory of all of the students we've lost alive. You can see the trees via this link: https://sle.msu.edu/sites/default/files/PDFS/Student%20Memorial%20Tree%20Map.pdf

Join the Mid-Michigan Spartans for its third Student Memorial Tribute Trees Walk on Saturday, August 30, from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. This is the Saturday following the Friday football home opener on Labor Day Weekend. Family members of honored students often attend this experience. Please be sure you intend to attend if you register for this event. We understand things can come up on a holiday weekend. If your plans change, please cancel your reservation at your earliest opportunity. Consider how it may feel to a family member to have a high no-show rate for this experience.

Details:

• Though this is a walk, a campus bus will be used to shuttle participants to the areas of campus where trees are clustered
• Participants can park in the lot alongside Jenison Field House beginning at 2:30 p.m.
• The first tree visited is by Jenison. After a brief program at that tree, participants will board a bus to be transported to another area of campus.
• At each tree, Dr. Allyn Shaw will read the names of listed students, our Mid-Michigan Spartans president will lay a rose and participants will observe a moment of silence. Participants are welcome to bring additional roses if they wish
• The bus can accommodate 50 passengers and an ADA accessible van is available to transport up to two individuals requiring wheelchair transport. Please note accommodation needs in your registration
• This event is open to alumni and friends of Michigan State University. All ages are welcome, though it is requested younger attendees are prepared for the silent portions of the program
• Space is limited and this event is expected to fill quickly. A waitlist will be used to fill spaces as they become available from cancellations
• The event is free to attend. An additional donation ticket has been added to this event. The Mid-Michigan Spartans would like to present Dr. Allyn Shaw with a check to be used at his discretion to support expenses associated with maintaining the trees & plaques and the expenses associated with future trees. If you'd like to make a direct gift to Michigan State University in support of the Student Memorial Tribute Trees program, we are happy to assist with making appropriate introductions.