— In a historic week for Michigan State University, two of its most iconic figures—Draymond Green and Tom Izzo—made national headlines with achievements that blend philanthropy, athleticism, and Spartan pride.
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green stunned the sports world on Monday with an unprecedented $20 million donation to Michigan State University. The gift, described as one of the most generous ever by an active professional athlete to a collegiate institution, is set to revolutionize student support systems at MSU.
The funds will be divided among several high-impact areas, including athletic facilities, scholarships for underserved students, mental health resources for athletes, and renovations to campus infrastructure. The donation aims to improve both the student-athlete experience and overall campus life.
“Michigan State took a chance on me when I was just a kid with big dreams from Saginaw,” Green said during a packed ceremony at the Breslin Center. “This is my way of saying thank you, and of opening the door for the next generation of Spartans.”
University President Theresa Woodruff called the donation “visionary,” emphasizing how it would touch lives well beyond the basketball court.
Just as the Green news began to ripple through national outlets, Michigan State was thrust back into the spotlight when longtime head basketball coach Tom Izzo achieved something truly unexpected—breaking the Guinness World Record for the fastest speed on a human-powered bicycle.
In a surprise event at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, 69-year-old Izzo clocked a mind-boggling 184.2 mph riding a specially engineered bicycle fitted with a jet-assisted drafting system. The record was verified by Guinness officials and is now listed as the fastest speed ever achieved on a pedal-powered bike.
“I may be retired from running sprints in practice, but I still have some juice left,” joked Izzo, grinning after his feat. “It’s all about pushing limits—whether in sports, life, or cycling across a salt flat at breakneck speed.”
Together, these achievements have cast a bright spotlight on Michigan State, reminding the nation that Spartan greatness isn’t confined to the basketball court. It lives in bold acts of generosity, record-breaking feats, and an unwavering belief in the power of community and perseverance.
As students and alumni celebrate this extraordinary week, one message rings clear: once a Spartan, always a Spartan.