Former Michigan State University President John DiBiaggio died Feb. 1 at the age of 87, university officials announced Thursday. DiBiaggio was a first-generation college student who grew up in Detroit and went on to become president of three universities, including MSU, where he was the school's top official from 1985 to 1992. Many leaders depicted DiBiaggio, MSU's 17th president, as a champion for excellence, ethical decision-making and high professional standards.

“Along with Spartan Nation, I am sad to hear about the loss of former President John DiBiaggio," said James Blanchard, Michigan’s 45th governor, former ambassador to Canada and an MSU alumnus. "We all have fond memories of him and his commitment to MSU. We have lost a champion of higher education and of this special Spartan community that we all care for.”