Middle Tennessee State University again enlisted a diverse cast of students, faculty, staff and alumni to recite the latest video expression of what is becoming a cherished Blue Raider tradition.

The True Blue Pledge is recited each fall at MTSU’s annual University Convocation ceremony, during which President Sidney A. McPhee formally welcomes new students to campus and explains MTSU rituals and traditions.

The pledge, which begins with the simple phrase “I am True Blue,” underscores MTSU’s core values of honesty and integrity; respect for diversity; engagement in the community; and committing to reason, not violence.

“These words express not only the ideals the university wishes to share with its students but also our devotion to student success,” said McPhee, who enlisted a task force five years ago to develop the university’s foundational values and ultimately the pledge that captures the spirit of those values.

The True Blue Pledge reads: 

“I am True Blue.

“As a member of this diverse community, I am a valuable contributor to its progress and success. I am engaged in the life of this community. I am a recipient and a giver.

“I am a listener and a speaker. I am honest in word and deed. I am committed to reason, not violence. I am a learner now and forever.

“I am a BLUE RAIDER. True Blue!”

Here is the video:

Those appearing include:

• Madison Tracy — MTSU Student Government Association president, public relations major.
• Rahsaan Robinson — SGA senator for the College of Media and Entertainment, Interfraternity Council vice president of membership development, student orientation assistant, Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity member, marketing major.
• Mei Han — director, MTSU Center for Chinese Music and Culture.
• Megan Barry — MTSU student ambassador, Blue Elite, student orientation assistant.
• Zach Hirt — MTSU Sigma Chi Fraternity president, finance major.
• Pastor James McCarroll — chairman, MTSU Community Engagement Council.
• Shea Kramer — Blue Elite, nursing major.
• Don Witherspoon — MTSU alumnus (’64), president, MTSU National Alumni Association.
• Roy Brewer — associate director and assistant chief, MTSU Police Department..
• Hermon Phuntling — Blue Elite, global studies major.
• Tyler Bailey — MTSU student ambassador, ROTC cadet, mechatronics major.
• Courteney Gibson — MTSU soccer player, physics major.
• Dr. Mary Martin — MTSU Faculty Senate president, MTSU alumnus (’79), mathematics professor.
• Mason Bradley — Campus School student, future Blue Raider.
• Brent Stockstill — MTSU football quarterback, leisure sport & tourism major.
• Ty Petty — MTSU Women’s basketball player, leisure sport & tourism major.
• Risa Witherow — Blue Elite, geosciences major.
• Bruce Petryshak — MTSU’s vice president for information technology and chief information officer.

For more information about MTSU’s True Blue initiative, visit www.mtsu.edu/trueblue/index.php.