A half-million dollar memorial pledge from a Michigan State alumna has been made in order to reinstate the Spartans’ swim and dive program.
Amanda Mercer made the donation in honor of her late husband, Todd, who she met while swimming at MSU. Todd, who lost his battle with cancer in 2021, was one of the all-time greatest athletes from Brighton High School as a swimmer in the 1980s. His record in the 200 freestyle from 1985 was only just broken last month.
“My pledge is conditional on bringing the programs back (obviously) and the school’s commitment to build an indoor 50m competition pool,” said Mercer. “The school has indicated these are both very real possibilities and we will have an answer by this summer.”
MSU has set a goal of $6.5 million for five years of funding.
Amanda Mercer, who was herself a captain at Michigan State, beat breast cancer a decade ago – even swimming across the English Channel crossing while undergoing chemo.
Mercer is a civil law attorney who is also the founder of an app called BARDEUM, which provides enhanced interactive experiences at museums and other cultural sites.
The Battle for Spartan Swim and Dive, an advocacy group that has fought for the return of both the men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams since they were cut after the 2020-21 season, says they’ve received just over 100 pledges so far. They’ve set a target of 300 pledges by April 21.
