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N E W S L E T T E R

partan entinel

Michigan State University Varsity ‘S’ Club

VOL. 56 ISSUE 4

New Tradition Marks HomecomingAbove are ‘S’ Club members, kids, and pets gathered to greet the Spartan Football Team on their chilly, but sunlit walk to the stadium before the MSU Homecoming victory over Indiana. It

was the first of what will be an annual Homecoming event. (note Replacement Jackets)

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2013-2014

Varsity ‘S’ Club

Executive CommitteePresident Cheryl Gilliam ’811st Vice President Wally Dobler ’582nd Vice President R. Paul Vance ’01Secretary Mike Vorkapich ’94Treasurer David Brogan ’56 Past President Colin Cronin ’94

Board of DirectorsDon Behm ’67 Tim Bograkos ’04Ian Clutten ’07 Sue Selke ’76Dave Thomas ’01 David W. Thomas ’75Don Weatherspoon ’67

Young AlumniLauren Aitch ’09 Erica Mann ’11Office Staff: Marilyn Bria (Office Hours: M-Th, 12-4; F, 12-3)Newsletter Editor: Ron Berby

Michigan State UniversityVarsity ‘S’ Club

535 Chestnut Rd. - Rm 276East Lansing, MI 48824Phone: (517) 355-8523

Fax: (517) 355-7708Email: Staff@MSUVarsitySClub.orgWebsite: www.msuvarsitysclub.org

We value your opinion and want to know what you think about the Varsity ‘S’ Club Newsletter. Send us an e-mail, call or fax with items or topics you would like to see included in future newsletters. If you have suggestions on how to improve the publication, let us know.

Elections for the Board of Directors of the Varsity ‘S’ Club are held each spring. If you would like to serve on the Board, simply visit our website, click on the application tab, print the form, complete, and mail to the the club office.

Executive Committee

President’s Message: Dear Fellow Spartans:

Fall and Spring are my favorite times of the year at MSU, as few other campuses are as beautiful as ours. I hope you were able to return to campus this Fall and enjoy the color. It is PURE Michigan State.

We kicked o! this Fall with a tailgate at the first home game, one of the many benefits of being part of our athletic department. Hats o!to Executive Director Alan Haller for organizing it, one which will be a growing annual event. The other new annual event was our Letter

Jacket Day, where on Homecoming we celebrated in front of Jenison with hot beverages and donuts, followed by lining the Players Walk before Sparty and following them to the Stadium. Join us next year for these events

As we approach the year’s end, please let us know how we can provide you with the service and events you want. We have begun to plan for the 2015 ‘S’ Club 100th Anniversary. We NEED and WANT your ideas. If you would like to join the Anniversary Committee, please ASAP contact Alan, myself, or Paul Vance, the incoming President starting in July, 2014.

Congratulations to fall student-athlete graduates and to the fall Spartan sports teams. I wish you and your families the best this holiday season, as well as good health in the New Year. Please give time and money to those less fortunate to make their Holidays extra special too.

WE ARE SPARTANS FOR LIFE - Cheryl Gilliam, BS - Packaging ’82, Track - 1978 to 1981

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2013 VARSITY ‘S’ CLUB ANNUAL AWARD WINNERSThe JACK BRESLIN LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD is presented to the Spartan varsity alumnus whose post-college career has brought honor to him and to Michigan State University and its sports programs.ERIC ZEMPER - After graduation he began officiating at track meets at the high school and college levels, eventually working his way to national and international meets, including three Olympic Games. He’s presently one of only 43 International Technical Officials, three of them Americans. Most of his professional life has been as a sports researcher at Oregon, the NCAA and with his own research firm. He pioneered research on sports injuries, including concussions, and was an early researcher on drugs in sports. He founded the Finish Line Club, a booster club for Spartan cross country and track, and has served on the ‘S’ Club Board. The VANSPYBROOK RETIRED COACHES AWARD is presented annually to the male or female MSU coach whose coaching career has brought great honor personally, and by reflection, to MSU and its sports program.KAREN LANGELAND - Athletic Director Mark Hollis points out that Karen was a coach who brought energy to the workplace every day with a deep commitment to the athletes, the community and the program supporters. As an athletic administrator she was “capable of viewing the big picture, understood the impact of one decision on other areas, and had attention to detail.” Named State’s third head women’s basketball coach in 1976, she continued for 24 years amassing 376 wins, a Big Ten title, three NCAA tourneys, and 17 winning seasons. Her players went on to noted careers in education, medicine, law, finance, athletic administration and coaching.The CLARENCE “BIGGIE” MUNN EXTRA EFFORT AWARD is presented periodically to an MSU graduate who possesses the highest standards of integrity and character, and who has demonstrated outstanding service to Michigan State University and the MSU community, exemplifying the belief that “the difference between good and great is just a little extra effort.”DUANE VERNON - When it comes to sports fans, no one is in Duane Vernon’s league. Since graduating in 1953, Duane has been MSU’s super booster with memberships the Greater Lansing Sports Hall of Fame, the Sports Illustrated America’s Sports Hall of Fame, the Downtown Coaches Club of Greater Lansing, the U.S Jaycees International Junnior Boys and Girls Tennis Association and the Greater Lansing Bull-Pen Club. He’s also a key part of the “Fans in the Stands” and “Spartan Tailgate Party” radio programs before MSU basketball and football games, and has risen to top leadership roles with the CBC Credit Bureau system.The NELL JACKSON OUTSTANDING ALUMNA AWARD is presented annually to a Spartan varsity alumna whose career since graduating from Michigan State University, has been distinguished not only by outstanding professional accomplishments, but also by an exceptional record of community service.

STACY SLOBODNIK-STOLL - Named head women’s golf coach in 1997, Stacy has led the Spartans to 14 straight NCAA regional appearances, eight trips to the NCAA Championships, and four Big Ten Titles, winning 30 golf tournaments during the span. She’s been named Big Ten Coach of the Year and Midwest Coach of the Year. “ I believe that each year it is my responsibility to improve as a recruiter, a teacher, a sports psychologist, and a leader...” says Stacy. “Once you have tasted victory, it’s hard to forget. It only drives me to work harder...” Each year she seeks to win the Big Ten Championship and finish near tops in the country.

’63 Championship Teams Celebrate 50 Years

At left are members of 1963 MSU fencing team, and at right are members of the 1963 cross

country team. Both won Big Ten Championships that year and

enjoyed Reunion Weekend and the return to campus.

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‘S’ Club Award Winners - continuedThe Henry C. Bullough Varsity ‘S’ Service Award is presented annually to an MSU varsity letter winner who has demonstrated continuing outstanding volunteer service and devotion to MSU athletics on a local, state, national, or international level and who possesses the highest standards of integrity and character to positively reflect and enhance the prestige of MSU.GEORGE J. PERLES - He played football at State and served as an assistant coach and defensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1972 to 1982 and was head coach at MSU from 1983 to 1994. He also served as State’s athletic director from 190 to 1992, during which his football team was co-champions in the Big Ten, the basketball team was twice in the NCAA tournament, and the hockey team made the “Frozen Four.” He has been active promoting the Special Olympics, has served on the board of Blue Cross and selection commitee for the Hula Bowl. In 2006 he was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame.The CHERYL M. GILLIAM YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD is presented to the the male or female, who after graduating from Michigan State University, shows promise of a distinguished career not only by outstanding professional accomplishments but also an exceptional record of community service. They represent MSU with integrity and and respect within the communities where they live and work.LAUREN AITCH - Playing pro basketball in Europe, Lauren found an interest in fashion and pursued it as a career on her return to the Lansing area, where she grew up. In just a few years her career has taken off, and in 2011, with the guidance of the MSU HealthTeam’s Dr. Jim Potchen, she established “The Aitch Foundation” in order to raise money and awareness for early cancer detection. As someone who has been touched by cancer, it is her desire to replace the fear of the disease with hope, confidence and strength. Giving back to the community where she was raised, Lauren says, “You grow where you are planted.”The JOEY M. SPANO VARSITY ‘S’ CLUB FELLOWSHIP is presented annually to assist Michigan State University student-athletes advance their knowledge and transform their lives in their respective quests for excellence.BROOKE SAUCHAK - Brooke graduated in May of 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, attaining a 3.42 GPA overall. A four-year letter winner as a diver on State’s swimming team, she participated in community service projects ranging from the Boys and Girls Club, the American Cancer Society, the Salvation Army and the Children’s Miracle Network. She has become a member of the Society for Human Resources Management and the Graduate Student Organization and is pursuing a Masters degree in Human Resources and Labor Relations. She is also a Young Alumni member of the ‘S’ Club Board.

2013 VARSITY ‘S’ CLUB HONORARY MEMBERS

BRUCE COLEMAN - An all-around athlete in high school, Bruce joined the MSU track team in 1953, but was unable to compete because the death of his father meant he would have to help his mother on the weekends. Coach Burt Smith got him to work in the Intramural Office, and he has been a volunteer at MSU and with MSU athletics ever since. Earning his Bachelor’s degree in 1956, he’s since been recognized by the United Way, the President’s Council on Youth Fitness, and MSU for his efforts to assist people with disabilities.

SETH KESLER - Seth started at MSU as an assistant women’s soccer coach under head coach Tom Saxton. Serving from 1999 to 2004, he was proud to be part of the program’s first in qualifying for the NCAA Tournament in 2002. Now Director of Events, Championships and Sports Camps in the athletic department, he’s enjoyed being part of large events such as “The Basketbowl,” the “Carrier Classic,” the 2009 Final Four in Detroit, as well as several NCAA tournament and Big Ten championship events.

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? Take heart. A Varsity ‘S’ Club Replacement Jacket may be just

what you need! Interested? Contact the Club office at: 517/355-8523

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2013 Honorary Members - continuedJENNIFER SMITH - Originally from Wisconsin, Jennifer completed her BA in Political Science and International Relations there, and then earned a Masters in Higher Education at the University of Louisville. As the Associate Athletic Director for Compliance Services, she supervises a staff which helps to keep MSU athletics in compliance with the many Big Ten and NCAA rules and regulations, all the while seeking an optimum collegiate experience for MSU’s student-athletes.

SCOTT WESTERMAN - A 1978 graduate of MSU, his decades long telecommunications career spans every corner of the industry. As a student he was an announcer, account executive, and engineer at WILS and WVIC. His work and interests in several states include cable TV, pay-per-view, high speed internet, business to business data services, telephony, podcasting, Twitter, and alternative fuel technology - driving a diesel vehicle he converted to run on vegetable oil. He’s been a lecturer and has authored two books.

Above, with Athletic Director Mark Hollis, are 140 of this year’s 145 Spartan Athletes who have received their first Varsity Letters. Congratulations to all!

Presenting: the 2013 Spartan Hall of Fame Inductees

From left: Jenna Wrobel, Volleyball - 1995 to 1998; Ryan Miller, Hockey - 1999 to 2002; Kip Miller, Hockey - 1986 to 1990; Mark Hollis, Athletic Director; Henry Bullough, Football - player 1951 to 1954 and coach 1955 to 1965; and Morris Peterson, Basketball - 1995 to 2000

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At left is MSU’s Women’s Cross Country Team moments after they took the Big Ten Championship at Purdue. At the 4 kilometer mark of this 6 kilometer (3.6 mile) race, the team was in third place behind the Michigan and Minnesota teams. But the Spartans surged over the last mile and swept to the win, placing 2nd, 5th, 9th, 12th and 15th to total 43 points to Michigan’s 55 and Minnesota’s 68. Notably, only three Spartans had ever run in a Big Ten meet. It was the team’s 3rd Big Ten title in four years. Later MSU took 3rd in the regional, and 6th at the NCAA Meet, among six Big Ten teams to reach the finals.

At right is the Spartan Women’s Field Hockey Team, celebrating their come from behind victory over Iowa to win the Big Ten Tourney. Down 2-0 at halftime, they roared back to lead 3-2 with 7 minutes left, and held Iowa to no shots till time ran out. The Spartans are 4-0 in Big Ten Tourney title games, the last in 2009. Qualifying for the NCAA tourney, they beat Miami of Ohio and then upset number 2 seed Syracuse before losing to Connecticut to end the season. The team, 14-10 for the season, was 6-1 in November, when it counted.

Women’s Teams take Big Ten Titles

Reminders of MSU’s Agri-based PastAbove are pictures taken in the fields which extend for miles south of the campus you once

walked. The fields are a reminder of the birth of our university, begun as a land-grant college which offered courses in agriculture and applied sciences.

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Scenes from Reunion Weekend and Homecoming

Outdoor Sparty and friend with big jacket

Honorary inductee Bruce Colemankisses the stadium “S” Dale Johnson, Track,

‘70s, and guest

John Cudnohufsky, Rt., Lacrosse - ‘70s, and guest

Joey Spano, Lower Rt., Bkball, Sfball, Field Hky. - ‘70s, and guests

Jarriel Keys, L., Cheer, - ‘10s and guest

Wally Dobler, Uppr. 2nd from Rt., Swimming - ‘50s, and guests

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Jerome Smith, Football - ‘70s

Curtis LaszczynskiTennis - ‘80s

New Stadium North End

Don Weatherspoon, 2nd from Rt., Football - ‘60s, and guests

Amanda Ruhno, Center, Rowing, - ‘00s and guests

Young guests having a good time

Cal Fox, Ctr. & Doug Barr, Rt., FB - ‘60s & Lt. Cal’s lovey wife

David Schaefer, Center,Football - ‘90s and guests

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Announcing the:George Webster Expendable Scholarship Fund

The scholarship shall be awarded a minimum of one time each year to a minimum of two (2) qualified candidates. The selection of the recipient will be made during the initial semester, with the award to be effective the following term. The amount of the award will be a maximum of $11,000 per recipient. The award will be credited during the tuition payment process.

Qualification Criteria

1) Must be eligible for re-admission to MSU 2) Must submit a personal statement similar to enrollment process indicating why they didn’t graduate and what they have done in the intervening years 3) Must be no more than 15 years removed from the last year of full-time enrollment

4) Must have earned a minimum of two varsity letters 5) Must have been on athletic scholarship 6)

Open to all former athletes regardless of sport 7) Must show good moral character as judged by

the Selection Committee 8) Must have the respect of the Michigan State University community

To apply online, go to the program home page at websterfund.org, click “Eligibility,” and on the Eligibility screen hit “Click here to apply for the George Webster Scholarship Fund.”

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Jarred Aldrich, L., CC & Trk. - ‘00s and guests

Dale Anderson, L., Wr. - ‘60s; Don Behm, Ctr., Wr. - ‘60s; & Grady Peninger, Rt., Wr. Coach - ‘60s - ‘80s

Mike Kaines, Lt., CC & Trk. - ‘60s and guest

Steve Garcia, Ctr., Lacrosse - ‘80s and guests

Bill Cawood, Ctr., Basketball- ‘80s and guests

Good Weather and a Great Turnout on Game Day!

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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

Albert’s Furniture - 32344 Michigan Ave. - WayneApplebee’s - 2284 Woodlake Drive - OkemosArby’s - 2220 Jolly Rd. - OkemosBell’s Greek Pizza - 1135 E. Grand River Ave. - East LansingBravo! Cuchina Italiana - Eastwood Town Center - LansingCosi - 301 E. Grand River Ave. - East LansingDusty’s Cellar - 1839 W Grand River Ave. - OkemosEmil’s Italian Restaurant - 2012 E Michigan Ave. - LansingForest Akers West Pro Shop - MSU Golf CoursesGrand Traverse Pie Co. - 1401 E Grand River Ave. - East LansingGrand Traverse Pie Co - 3536 Meridian Crossing - Okemos Gilbert & Blake Steak & Seafood - 3554 Okemos Rd. - OkemosHarper’s - 131 Albert Avenue - East LansingHolden & Reid Clothiers - Frandor Shopping Center - Lansing Twp.Kellogg Hotel - State Room Restaurant - MSU CampusKellogg Hotel - Gift Shop - MSU CampusLeo’s Lodge - 2525 E. Jolly Rd. - LansingLeo’s Outpost - 600 S. Pennsylvania Ave. - LansingLeo’s Spirits and Grub - 2085 W Grand River Ave. - OkemosMichael’s (Framing Dept. only) - Frandor Shopping Center - Lansing Twp.Panera Bread - Frandor Shopping Center - Lansing Twp.Panera Bread - 4738 Central Park Dr. - OkemosReno’s East Sportsbar & Grill - 1310 Abbot Rd. - East LansingReno’s West Sportsbar & Grill - 5001 W. Saginaw Hwy. - LansingSpartan Book Store - International Center - CampusSpartan Hall of Fame Cafe - 1601 Lake Lansing Rd. - East LansingStudent Book Store - 421 E. Grand River Ave - East LansingTrippers - Frandor Shopping Center - Lansing Twp.Velocipede Peddler - 2758 Grand River Ave. - East LansingWoody’s Oasis - 1050 Trowbridge Rd. - East Lansing

Michigan State University Varsity ‘S’ ClubMerchant 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.

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‘WHERE ARE THEY NOW?’1960sJack Amie, Cross Country, Track 1962-65 - Jack lives with wife Lynne on St. Simons Island, GA and has been an active urologist practicing in southeast Georgia for 37 years. He was recently elected President of the Southeast Section of the American Urological Association, consisting of 2400 urologists from the southeastern U. S. and Puerto Rico.

Ron Berby, Cross Country, Track 1961-63 - Since graduating Ron has been a housepainter, teacher, coach, semi-truck driver, case manager for the disabled, and tax consultant. He’s now retired, edits the ‘S’ Club newsletter, and enjoys travel with wife Sally.

Bob Brooks, Fencing 1961-63 - Bob lives in Fort Myers, FL. He was an MSU Assistant Professor in Pathology and was Director of the School of Medical Technology before serving as a dentist for 24 years. He’s retired, has three children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren; and enjoys fishing, gardening, and church activities.

Tony Hunt, Track, Cross Country 1962-64 - Tony lives in The Woodlands, TX with wife Sherron. On graduating from MSU he served three years in the Marine Corps in Viet Nam, attaining the rank of Captain. His work life was mostly as a program and plant manager of contractors with the Defense Department, one assignment in France. They have three sons and eight grandkids. He’s proud of Sherron for her

volunteer charity work - nearly every day - while he enjoys woodworking, like making toys for their grandkids.

Mike Kaines, Track, Cross Country 1962-65 - Mike lives in Fenton, MI., is semi-retired and a born-gain Christian, and with wife Linda enjoys church activities. On graduation from MSU he went to U. of M. for his dental degree. In the Air Force, he practiced dentistry in the Mojave Desert as well as in Greenland, developing his skills as a dental surgeon. For over 30 years he had dental offices in Holly and Linden, MI., but hasn’t fully retired. For three days a week he provides dental services to migrant workers in western Michigan. He’s proud of his son who was an All-American steeplechaser at Wisconsin. Lewis Leonard, Fencing 1962-64 - Lewis lives in Okemos, MI. He earned a B.S. in Chemistry at MSU and soon started an automotive plastics firm within the new MSU Industrial Park, a firm he later expanded to production of general use plastics. He’s proud of daughter Theresa, who graduated from Southern Cal in 1990 and is an LA attorney.

Paul McCollam, Cross Country, Track 1963-66 - Paul lives in Stratford, CT. On graduating from MSU he served in Viet Nam and continued for many years in the Army National Guard. He worked in the investment division of Aetna Insurance and later partnered in an oil and gas exploration firm. His wife Jan-Gee worked for the

Hartford National Bank, becoming its first female Vice President. They’re retired and enjoy travel and following MSU sports, as well as UConn women’s basketball.

Dick Sharkey, Cross Country, Track 1963-67 - Dick is retired and lives in Wind Lake, WI. After graduation he served in the Army in Viet Nam, also with the Army Track Team. He’s worked for an insurance company, coached at Great Lakes College, and been a physical director at a YMCA. Mostly he’s been a Cardiac Rehab Exercise Physiologist at Wisconsin hospitals. His wife Barb was a nurse for over 40 years, primarily in cardiac critical care. With two daughters living in Connecticut, he says of retirement: “It’s fairly dull, but I like it that way.”

Phil Slayton, Fencing 1962-63 - Phil lives in Battle Creek, MI. He was in real estate until the industry, as he says, “tanked” in the 1980s, so he took a chance and tried something else. Until his retirement in 2000 he was a travel film lecturer, touring the United States until “The technology passed me by.” He is married and has two daughters.

Eric Zemper, Cross Country, Track 1963-67- Eric lives in Ann Arbor, MI, but - relax - is Director of the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Statewide Campus System which oversees Residency Training for Physicians. He and wife Mary are track officials, which keeps them very busy from January to September each year.

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Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDEast Lansing, MI

Permit No. 21

Michigan State UniversityVarsity ‘S’ Club

535 Chestnut Rd., Rm. 276East Lansing, MI 48824

Forwarding Service Requested

SAVE THE DATESJune 4, 2014 - Annual ‘S’ Club Golf OutingSept. 18-20 (Thur.-Sat.), 2014 - Reunion Weekend - MSU vs. Wyoming Oct. 3, 2014 - Homecoming Parade (‘S’ Club members, alumni letterwinners and families invited to march)Oct. 4, 2014 - ‘S’ Club Young Alumni Tailgate Party before Nebraska football gameDec. 31, 2014 - Last day to submit candidates for 2015 Varsity ‘S’ Club Awards

Passings:Joseph E. Brundage, Cross Country Manager 1935-37 - died on July 11, 2013 in Holland, MI. His daughter reports he was very proud of serving as the team’s manager, as well as of his lifetime membership of the Varsity ‘S’ Club.

Joel Jones Football 1954-55 - died recently in Detroit. An unheralded walk-on from West Virginia, Joel was a member of the Rose Bowl team of 1956 also named a Big Ten All-Star that year. Injuries prevented him from playing pro football, but he was proud of his long career as a teacher and counselor in Detroit schools .