Varsity Alumni Club Weekend Scheduled For Sept. 7-9
9/5/2006 12:00:00 AM | General
Sept. 5, 2006
EAST LANSING, Mich. - All former Michigan State varsity letterwinners along with their families and friends are invited to attend the 10th annual Varsity Alumni Club Weekend, scheduled for Sept. 7-9. The weekend schedule offers opportunities to participate in a variety of activities designed to renew old friendships and create new memories.
The weekend kicks off on Thursday, Sept. 7 with a 5:30 p.m. cookout at the Varsity Alumni Club hotel headquarters, located at the Courtyard by Marriott on Lake Lansing Road.
The Friday, Sept. 8 schedule includes the Downtown Coaches Club luncheon at 11 a.m. at Eagle Eye Golf Club and a Varsity Club Room Open House at 1 p.m. in Spartan Stadium. The following awards will be presented during a 7 p.m. dinner at the Kellogg Center: Breslin Award - Gene Washington (football, 1964-66; track, 1965-67); Nell Jackson Award - Molly Fletcher (women's tennis, 1989-93); Henry Bullough Award - Blanche Martin (football, 1955-59); and Lifetime Coaches Award - George Szypula (men's gymnastics, 42 years). In addition, the Varsity Alumni Club will present honorary memberships to Ray and Dave Durant, Ken Kusterer, Craig Stover and David Tome.
Prior to Saturday's Michigan State-Eastern Michigan football game, the Varsity Alumni Club has scheduled a pre-game lunch and pep rally, beginning at 11:30 a.m. in the Kellogg Center. During the pre-game luncheon, the Varsity Alumni Club has organized a Miller family tribute. Since 1956, 10 Millers have laced up their skates for MSU, accounting for 27 varsity letters. In total, the Miller family has amassed 15 NCAA Tournament appearances, 11 CCHA Tournament titles, two Hobey Baker winners and a National Championship. The eight skaters combined for 312 goals and 436 assists, while goaltender Ryan Miller posted an NCAA-record 26 shutouts in three seasons. In years that a Miller earned a varsity letter, Michigan State compiled a 614-292-62 (.667) record.
In addition, the Varsity Alumni Club will recognize the 30-, 40-, 50- and 60-year anniversary award winners during the pre-game luncheon. Guest speakers for the luncheon and pep rally include MSU Athletics Director Ron Mason, while Three Men and a Tenor is slated to provide entertainment.
Three teams have planned reunions in conjunction with the Varsity Alumni Club Weekend: field hockey (all years), lacrosse (all years) and men's gymnastics (all years).
For a complete weekend itinerary, please visit the Varsity Alumni Club web site at www.varsitys.msu.edu. For any additional information, please contact either the Varsity Alumni Club office at (517) 355-8523 or weekend coordinator Eldon VanSpybrook at (248) 887-7593.