MSU Alumna reflects on connection to MSU, Spartans worldwide

Kristen Beck, ’05, found her calling in life early. From the time she was a child, she knew she would be a nurse. But where would she learned to be a nurse? The answer became obvious as soon as she set foot on Michigan State University’s campus.

“I immediately felt like I was a part of something bigger when I got to campus,” said Beck. “MSU became an extension of my family.”

Beck felt enveloped in the MSU community during her time as a student. The collective understanding that Spartans stick together supported Beck throughout her studies. The strenuous nursing courses did nothing to deter the strength she found in belonging to MSU.

Today, Beck calls northern California home, serving as a registered nurse in Dominican Hospital. She states that residing far from the majority of the MSU alumni population is similar to residing on her own West Coast island. “My family wears lots of MSU gear, but we’re usually the only ones we see in green. Even on a football Saturday, we have to actively seek out other Spartans to watch games with.”

Beck and her family take full advantage of every MSU alumni event on the West Coast. “Some of my best years of life occurred at MSU, and I want to share that with my family,” said Beck. Sharing the connection she had with MSU alumni and the Spartan community brings her immediate family closer together as they form their own connections to the Green and White.

“When I meet other Spartan alums, you don’t feel as far away from East Lansing.”