Jimmy Raye came to Michigan State University from Fayetteville, North Carolina, in 1964 to play football for Hall of Fame head coach Duffy Daugherty. When he left MSU in 1968, he left as far more than just a football player. He was a pioneer, trailblazer and barrier-breaker, becoming the first African American quarterback from the South to win a National Championship, leading the 1966 Spartans to the national title.

Through perseverance and dedication, Dr. Blair White has achieved the highest levels of success, both on and off the playing field. White arrived in East Lansing in 2005 as a walk-on wide receiver for the Spartan football team, but his work ethic earned him a scholarship prior to the 2008 season and he earned the Biggie Munn Award that same year as the team’s most inspirational player.

Drew Stanton set several records as a quarterback at Michigan State, but has made an even greater impact on the community through his High 5ive Foundation. Established in 2008, the mission of the High 5ive Foundation is to improve the quality of life for all people with varying disabilities through raising public awareness and inspiring individuals toward achieving personal goals which at one time seemed unattainable.

Flozell Adams may be known for his successful NFL career, which includes five Pro Bowl selections, but before pursuing his professional dreams, he made the decision to forgo entry into the draft in order to complete his senior year at Michigan State University in order to make good on a promise to his mother to stay in school and continue work toward his degree. Sadly, his mother, Rachel Fairman Adams, lost her battle with breast cancer just two weeks after Adams made his decision.