Speakers: Matteo Mauro
What does receiving Spirit of State mean to you?
Matteo Mauro: Receiving the Spirit of State award is truly humbling and it's an experience that I hold with much gratitude. When I think about what the spirit of State stands for, I am reminded of the countless students that I have met within my four years here and the contributions that they have made, whether it's through the student organizations, they were part of the research that they were able to conduct whatever academic pursuits they put effort into here at Mississippi State, not only better themselves, but it also is a commitment and a collective effort to leaving Mississippi State better than we found it. And I think receiving a Spirit of State award is really just signifying the commitment that we as Bulldogs all make when we step foot on campus. And that is to lead.
What has been your most rewarding experience at MSU?
Matteo Mauro: The most rewarding experience that I got to be part of was helping with the facilitation and planning of New Maroon Camp 2023. Not only when I look back on this experience, am I so proud of the 2,000 of you guys that were able to attend New Maroon Camp, the highest number yet. But simultaneously, I was able to meet some of the greatest people who will serve as support systems and good friends for the rest of my life. And I think that's what's so special about student involvement is not only are you able to develop and hone in on certain skills that you know, will serve you throughout your careers in the future, but simultaneously, you are meeting people in the process, learning from them and building those relationships that will last you a lifetime. My specific role in New Maroon Camp was serving as the assistant director of marketing, which really meant I just got to oversee a lot of the marketing and outreach efforts, and I was also the guy that you passionately emailed in the summer complaining about being put on the yellow team. I am sorry.
In what ways can you continue to embody the Spirit of State?
Matteo Mauro: The essence of Spirit of State doesn't just mean giving back to MSU and its community, but it's also uplifting it and leaving it stronger than when you found it. And I think you can truly embody that spirit both as a student and as our alum. For students, it's really just participating in campus life, whether it's through social events or, you know, yearly traditions or even going out for higher positions within your student groups. All of it is leading by example and encouraging those around you to also follow in your footsteps. And I don't think that spirit just ends once you get to graduation, but it continues. Once you get your cap and gown, it's participating in alumni groups or coming back for homecoming festivities. Whatever the initiative is, all it's about is upholding the same passion that led you to MSU in the first place. And that's to be a proud MSU Bulldog.
