EAST LANSING – During the 2009 football season, Michigan State will affix a silver outline of the state of Michigan emblem to the back of its football helmets.

The placement of “The Silver Lining” decals on the helmets is intended to demonstrate that Michigan State University is committed to ensuring a bright future for the residents of our state. The concept for the helmet sticker originated with a suggestion from Spartan head football coach Mark Dantonio to MSU Athletics Director Mark Hollis.

“Given the challenging economic conditions that we face in the state of Michigan, we wanted to show support for the residents and businesses in our home state and encourage everyone to unite for our common good,” Dantonio said.

“The emblem reminds all of us of MSU’s positive role in the social, cultural and economic health of the state,” Hollis said. “From conducting world-leading particle physics research, to providing opportunities to gather at sporting events across our state, to partnering with Michigan communities to solve grass-roots problems, we continue to play a transformational role in the prosperity agenda for our state.”

Back in the 1980s, then-Iowa head football coach Hayden Fry placed an ANF (America Needs Farmers) sticker on the Hawkeyes’ helmets to draw attention to the challenges facing the American Farmer. Today, the future of the American auto industry is one of the key elements to the resurgence of Michigan’s economy. In order to show support during these challenging times for the auto industry, Michigan State University has extended its long-standing corporate partnership with General Motors by offering to waive GM’s annual sponsorship fee for 2009-10.

“GM has been a tremendous partner over the years and has provided millions of dollars in sponsorship revenue that helped to support MSU’s 750-plus student-athletes, who annually participate in 25 intercollegiate sports,” Hollis said. “We wanted to show our appreciation and loyalty by assisting GM through this critical juncture.

“Our original concept for a helmet emblem was specific to the auto industry, but it evolved to something that would be inclusive and supportive of the entire state of Michigan. The way that the Spartan basketball team, led by head coach Tom Izzo, brought the state together during its run to the 2009 NCAA Final Four at Detroit’s Ford Field is a prime example of the positive impact that Spartan Athletics can provide for our State. Another example of MSU’s commitment is our recent announcement of the ‘Celebrate the State’ football series with Central Michigan, Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan.

“‘The Silver Lining’ decals help promote the University’s dedication to all the citizens of Michigan.”

“GM is pleased to be continuing our partnership with MSU for the 2009-10 academic year with GMC as our lead brand,” General Director Media Operations and Marketing Alliances Steve Tihanyi said. “We’re very supportive of Mark Hollis’ helmet sticker concept symbolizing MSU’s support of our industry and the state of Michigan. Everyone will connect with this – being optimistic is the only way to move forward.”