What does the phrase “Welcome Home, Spartans” mean to you?
When tasked with finding a creative way to bring this phrase to life for the MSU Homecoming Parade on September 22, 2023, our amazing Tower Guardians worked tirelessly to produce a float that embodied the Tower Guard values AND our green Michigan State University Campus.
“The biggest challenge was making sure we weren’t just basing our ideas off our own interests but actually incorporating elements of what Tower Guard aspires to accomplish,” said Tower Guard Social Chair, Giles Alva.
Volunteers met at the Spartan Stadium in the evenings to work on the float. There was good music, good food, and good company. Some people made cardboard structures while others got their hands dirty with some painting. Regardless of their task, most people would agree that getting to know fellow Tower Guardians was the best part of the float-making process.
The fabulous float featured pillars representing four Tower Guard values: scholarship, leadership, character, and service. Additionally, the float included on-campus landmarks such as the legendary MSU Rock, the lovely Red Cedar River, the infamous CATA buses, our spectacular Sparty, and our home, The Beaumont Tower.
“[Making the float] was a reminder of why MSU is a home away from home,” said Tower Guardian, Meghan Hill.
After a week of hard work, it was finally time to show off our float in the MSU Homecoming Parade. Approximately 30 Tower Guardians took to the streets of East Lansing on Friday, September 22nd with the responsibility of representing this prestigious organization.
“[My favorite thing about the parade was] everyone cherishing one another’s presence and getting the opportunity to exhibit our organization.”
“…as the parade progressed, I realized it was more about making the walk to raise awareness rather than to raise eyebrows out of admiration.”
The float successfully told the story of what it means to be a Spartan, and I do not know about you all, but I cannot wait to see what else the Tower Guard Class of 2023/2024 has in store for us!