As graduation approached, I began to think about the class of 2021 and how profoundly different their experiences have been during the pandemic. My hope is that these experiences might serve them well as they seek to build a more just, healthy and creative world. I can only imagine what future stories we might tell here in the Spartan magazine about their contributions.
Perhaps they will be like Genevieve Gillette, a 1920 graduate. We all know about the Roaring Twenties—it was a time of historic and dramatic social and political change, and many MSU graduates put their good education to practical use.
A short four years after graduation, Genevieve was helping to locate and raise public support and funding for parks throughout the state of Michigan. We can thank this pioneer in MSU’s landscape architect program for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks system and the sand dunes area of Lake Michigan between Grand Haven and Muskegon. Places Michiganders and tourists enjoy every day in our state.
In this issue of the Spartan we asked several Spartans to share their truths and reveal some sage advice born out of their life experiences and passions. A poet, a lawyer and an entertainer tell us how they turned trouble into triumph. We also pay tribute to our most generous alumnus, Eli Broad, who invested in the future of MSU. Read their stories and you’ll be inspired by their talent, empathy and commitment to make the world better for others.
From the Banks,
Stephanie Motschenbacher, ’85, ’91
Executive Editor, Spartan Magazine
LETTERS
SPARTAN PRIDE
Thank you for all the wonderful and wide scope articles you provide in the alumni magazine. It makes me feel proud to be an alumna (’85). My husband (’80) and son (’08, ’12) are also alumni of MSU. As you can tell we are a Spartan family!
Our son is a now a physician in Alaska and was recently recognized for improving immunization rates in rural and remote areas. He is an internal medicine and pediatric hospitalist at Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage and internal medicine and pediatric primary care at Norton Sound Health Corporation in Nome.
In my opinion, he is the epitome of Spartans Will.
Annette Pohl, ’85, PERRINTON, MI
LOVE THE FALL ISSUE
I wish to commend you, and your staff, on the fall M.S.U. Alumni Magazine. It is the finest issue in the 55 years that I have been receiving it....in my humble opinion.
Keep up the great work. I look forward to meeting up with fellow Spartans when our world gets back to normal.
Go Green!
Donald Payne, ’63, ’65, FARMINGTON HILLS, MI
GREETINGS FROM KNOXVILLE
Thanks for producing a great Spartan magazine. It is a joy to receive it each season! Keep up the good work and enjoy good health up there in the frozen northland. I count myself fortunate to have degrees from MSU, U-M and MUSC in Charleston, South Carolina.
Thanks to you all!
Larry E. Davis, M.D., ’73, KNOXVILLE, TN
SUCCESS AND GENEROSITY
I would be writing this note even if I didn’t share the same last name of Mr. Kirk Mayes (a Spartan Profile in the Fall 2020 issue). His work with Forgotten Harvest is such a generous Christian act of charity and so ecologically correct! To spare our landfills and to feed the hungry is indeed a Spartan success story. Go Green!
Lynn Mayes, ’58, PORT AUSTIN, MI
BUILDINGS BRING BACK MEMORIES
First, we were delighted to see in the Winter 2021 “Spartan” issue, appreciation of my father G. Malcolm Trout’s research on homogenized milk. When we get back to MSU we always make a point to stop for ice cream at the Dairy Store in the G.M. Trout Food Science and Human Nutrition building.
Second, I loved recognizing the big Auditorium building and learning of rebuilding the doors. I was amused that most of the names of dignitaries you included as speaking or performing there in the past 80 years are contemporaries. I remember Marian Anderson, Vladimir Horowitz and the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo in addition to all the Saturday night travel live lecturers (pre Rick Steves days). My husband reminded me of the military balls and J-Hop dances on the controversial all-purpose flat floor construction. Also, all our registration for classes (with IBM punch cards) each term took place there. My dad served on the concert selection committee chaired by Dr. Stanley Crowe in the late 1940s, and I’d love to see a re-cap article on all the performers and Broadway productions there over the years.
Finally, cheers for a new pipe organ for Memorial Chapel where Monte and I were married in May 1960. I’d be interested in an article about the chapel’s annual usage (before COVID restrictions) including how many weddings have taken place since the construction right after WWII, and what rental costs are today.
Nelda Trout Stuck, B.A., ’59; M.A., ’69, REDLANDS, CA
Stephanie Motschenbacher, '85, '92