D.C. Spartans Green & White Gala 2026 at Le Méridien Arlington – Arlington, VA

On October 3, 2026, the D.C. Spartans are hosting The Green & White Gala, presented by Rocket, at the Le Méridien Arlington. This signature evening brings together Michigan State University alumni and friends from across the country for a celebration of philanthropy, community, and Spartan spirit.

Proceeds from the Gala support the Club’s endowed scholarships at Michigan State. Thanks to the generosity of our community, more than $51,000 has already been awarded to outstanding students from the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area.

Evening Schedule

• 6:00 – 7:30 pm – Cocktail Reception
• 7:30 – 9:30 pm – Program & Dinner
• 9:30- 10:00 pm – Reception & Silent Auction

What Your Ticket Includes

Enjoy a plated dinner and an open bar featuring premium beer, wine, and spirits, followed by an evening of celebration and camaraderie. The night concludes with the chance to take home exclusive silent auction prizes.

Honoring Local Alumni

Each year, the Green & White Gala recognizes two exceptional alumni from the Washington, D.C. metro area. The Distinguished Alumni Award honors those who have reached the highest levels of achievement in their profession, while the Innovator Award celebrates a rising leader making an impact early in their career. The 2026 honorees will be announced in the coming weeks.

What is the attire?

The Green & White Gala is a formal event. Guests typically attend in evening wear: suits, cocktail dresses, or gowns.

Who are the DC Spartans?

The D.C. Spartans represent a community of more than 11,000 Michigan State University alumni living in the Washington, D.C. metro area. The Club is open and inclusive — there are no dues or membership requirements. Alumni, friends, family, and fans are invited to take part in a wide range of events, from networking opportunities and community service projects to an intern mentoring program and more.

Are sponsorships available?

Yes. Sponsorships play a vital role in making the Gala — and the Club’s scholarships — possible. To date, the D.C. Spartans have awarded more than $51,000 in scholarships to DMV-area students thanks to the generosity of our sponsors. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Green & White Gala Chair Jeremy Blaney at jeremy.a.blaney@icloud.com or +1-616-915-6319.

About the Scholarships

The Club sponsors two endowed scholarships at Michigan State University: the Rachel Kahan Memorial Scholarship and the Betty Mitchell Colden Scholarship. Both provide academically talented students from the D.C. metro area with the opportunity to pursue their education at MSU. Since 2017, 20 students have been supported through these scholarships, totaling more than $51,000 in awards.

“The Rachel Kahan Memorial Scholarship allowed me to work in Washington D.C. at the American Association of Geographers, where I was able to explore what I wanted out of my career. After my internship, I returned home to Detroit and worked in the local nonprofit space, helping entrepreneurs of color access capital for their business needs. I now work in Commercial Banking at JP Morgan and hope to return to the vibrant D.C. community at some point in the future. I am grateful for the scholarship because, without this opportunity, I would not have experienced all that D.C. has to offer young professionals.”

Crys King | Class of 2019

Our Partners

The Green & White Gala, presented by Rocket, is made possible through the generosity of our sponsors and partners. Thank you for investing in Spartan students and our community.