FAYETTE -- School spirit is a global phenomenon for Upper Iowa University.

Thousands of miles and an entire day away, at the school's Malaysia campus, students are celebrating their alma mater in a truly American fashion: cheerleading. The 16-member team was initially formed to accompany Pete the Peacock -- Upper Iowa's mascot -- to various events in the area for the university. University officials sent a mascot suit to the Malaysian campus several months ago.

"They're so excited about being connected to the American university here in Fayette," said Sheila Miller, director of public relations for Upper Iowa.

Unlike most traditional cheerleading squads, which focus mainly on pumping up sports fans, the Malaysian team helps promote the university and Fayette House, a student organization in Malaysia that celebrates American culture. The organization was established in January.

The group often holds activities seen as standard fare here in the states, like destressing events before finals week and celebrations for Thanksgiving, Independence Day or Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Students there also have given speeches and presentations on Upper Iowa dignitaries like Elizabeth Alexander, the university's founder.

Steven Baptist, head of the American degree program in Malaysia, said many at Upper Iowa are proud of the team.

"They managed to successfully turn an idea into reality within such a short time through sheer devotion, hard work and tremendous support from all members of the Fayette House," he said.

DeWayne Frazier, senior vice president for international programs, said the team shows how strong a connection overseas students have to the home university, no matter how many time zones may lie in between. In fact, the outgoing president of the Fayette House, Elaine Tan, is coming to study in Fayette for half a year before graduating.

"The truth of the matter is every student has worth," Frazier said.

This week, Frazier and Upper Iowa University President Alan Walker head over to Malaysia and Hong Kong, the site of the other overseas campus, for graduation ceremonies. There will also be a special appearance with the cheerleading team to present a $500 donation for uniforms.

Many of the cheer team's members have skills in dance or gymnastics. Others also have prior experience as members of the Charm All-Stars, a national Malaysian cheerleading team, according to Upper Iowa officials. The teams' coach, Marcus Lim Wai Ket, has participated in international cheerleading competitions in 2007 and 2008. He also is a student at Upper Iowa.

Oddly enough, there isn't an official cheer squad at home in Fayette yet, Frazier said. That fact has become a bit of a joke between Frazier and other university administrators, he said.

Upper Iowa has had squads in the past, and campus officials have plans to unveil a new troupe at an Upper Iowa basketball game Friday. Even so, Frazier holds the upper hand.

"We just got ours out faster," he said.

Contact Josh Nelson at (319) 291-1565 or josh.nelson@wcfcourier.com.