With a passion for liberal arts and law, alumnus launches scholarship at MSU

There’s no doubt about it: law school is a significant investment, from the time and effort required to succeed to the financial burden of tuition and living expenses. That’s why alumnus Tyler Gaastra believes lawyers should give back to uplift today’s students through their law school journeys.

“Nobody in law practices in isolation,” he said. “We have an obligation to assist, as we’re able, to lower the barrier to entry by way of scholarships and mentorships.”

Gaastra received a full tuition scholarship to study along the banks of the Red Cedar and now he and his wife, Marylynn, are committed to paying that generosity forward.

In 2023, they created the Gaastra Scholarship to support a student pursuing their degree at Michigan State University’s College of Law, with a preference for those who earned their undergraduate degree in history, classics or philosophy at a midwestern liberal arts college or university.

“I have to give back to MSU; I owe so much to the school and to those who made my education possible,” he said. “I don't see a line of division between who I am professionally and personally. I've been able to enjoy a fulfilling life over 14 years because of the professional education that I received.”

With a passion for liberal arts and law, Gaastra earned his bachelor’s degree in history from North Park University in Chicago, Illinois before becoming a Spartan. Now, with his scholarship, Gaastra hopes to remove barriers for a student with a similar background to his own, blending liberal arts and professional education.

“Studying history, philosophy, language, math, etc. is part of human fulfillment and growth. How wonderful it is to spend an afternoon reading, painting or playing music,” he explained. “At the same time, I believe in a dual path that involves a useful trade. Even as we are formed by the liberal arts, we need to do something useful with our hands so to speak. For me, the study of law was the obvious professional path.”

While earning degrees in Chicago, the Gaastras mapped out graduate school programs together and decided to move to Grand Rapids, Michigan. There, Marylynn pursued physician assistant studies at Grand Valley State University, and Tyler made the commute to East Lansing.

“The full-ride scholarship that I received from MSU was the catalyst,” he explained. “We debated staying in Chicago, but I wanted to move back to Michigan eventually. The generous scholarship from MSU, the support of my family, and lower cost of living in Michigan made it the obvious choice.”

He made the most of his time as a Spartan Lawyer, becoming a member of the Michigan State Law Review – the college’s flagship student-run journal – and completing internships with the legal department of Auto-Owners Insurance and the Kent County Prosecutor's Office.

Gaastra described the scholarship he received as a “turbo boost” to get through the rigors of law school and the challenges of commuting. The payoff was being able to celebrate at commencement with Marylynn.

“My wife brought her white coat to my MSU Law graduation, so we could take pictures together. That is a highlight for us.”

Since graduating magna cum laude in 2011, Gaastra has worked as a political consultant, in-house counsel, and now is in private practice, serving business and estate plan clients as a senior associate at David, Wierenga & Lauka, PC in Grand Rapids. He has also just been elected as partner at the firm and will be leading several significant changes beginning in 2026.

“The law gives you so many opportunities,” he said of his career path. “I love the moments when you can help get a deal closed or obtain an order in your client's favor. And I appreciate the trust placed in me by clients over the years, which drives my work.

“The challenge and grind of law school,” he continued, “was a significant shift from my undergraduate environment. It prepared me for hard work, thinking quickly and reading retention.”

In offering words of wisdom for today’s law students at MSU, Gaastra says embrace the education and the profession.

“Make the most of these early days when it is perfectly acceptable to learn, to make mistakes, to ask for help,” he said. “Seek out mentors who are both doing the things you want to do and living in a way that you respect. Eventually, your clients and the public at large will look to you to lead at consequential moments.”

This story originally appeared on the College of Law website.