Consumers Energy and Michigan State University are celebrating a partnership and $250,000 in financial support that is empowering the next generation of college graduates to stay and work in Michigan.

Officials with MSU and Consumers Energy and guests including state representative Julie Brixie gathered today to recognize the Consumers Energy Foundation’s support for the College of Engineering with a ceremony in the redesigned lobby of MSU’s East Wilson Hall. The building offers living and classroom space for students in the College of Engineering’s Cornerstone and Residential Experience, or CoRe, program.

“We’re grateful for the continued and generous partnership of Consumers Energy as Michigan State trains the workforce of today and tomorrow,” said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. “Our CoRe program is a key asset in supporting the success of our engineering students, and this gift is one of many ways Consumers Energy supports the university and our students.”

“We’re thrilled to work with our friends at Michigan State University to create opportunities for today’s students in tomorrow’s high-skill and high-demand fields,” said Chris Fultz, Consumers Energy’s vice president of natural gas operations. “Our relationship has paved the way for many MSU graduates to work in exciting, meaningful professions with Consumers Energy and other world-class companies across Michigan.”

Consumers Energy’s support for the College of Engineering and Wilson Hall dates to 2009, when its foundation made a $150,000 contribution. The foundation is the philanthropic arm of Consumers Energy, helping local communities grow and thrive. The Consumers Energy Foundation invests in three key areas crucial to all in the Great Lakes State — our people, our planet and our prosperity. 

These gifts continue to support CoRe, an integrated first-year engineering academic program and living-learning community that works to “build the whole engineer” with access to a suite of co-curricular and support activities, such as presentations and seminars, corporate tours, tutoring, academic advising and social events.

Officials from Consumers Energy interact with Michigan State students throughout the year, showcasing professional opportunities and encouraging them to learn more about the energy industry.