GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Departing from the tradition of honoring a single individual, the organizers of Grand Rapids' 2009 St. Patrick's Day Parade have named MSU's College of Human Medicine as its grand marshal.

The Ancient Order of Hibernians, a Catholic, Irish-American Fraternal Organization that runs the parade, made its selection based on the criteria requiring the grand marshal be "someone who has exhibited a lifelong dedication to serving his or her community in ways that match the tenants of our order."

The parade is March 14 in downtown Grand Rapids.

Pat Loftis of the AOH's Grand Rapids unit - known as the Rev. John Whalen McGee Division - said his group was compelled to offer the college the honor because the positive impact of its expansion to Grand Rapids will be felt in innumerable ways.

"The more we talked about the college and what it means for Grand Rapids, we began thinking that the hope that the school represents matches and exceeds any criteria we've had for an individual," he said.

"We are honored to be the embodiment of hope for the future of our life sciences community as this year's parade grand marshal," said Marsha D. Rappley, dean of the College of Human Medicine. "We look forward to participating in this wonderful St. Patrick's Day tradition in Grand Rapids."

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