In a year of significant challenges brought about by an evolving landscape for higher education, 65,506 donors committed a historic and record-breaking $380,110,317 during the past fiscal year to support Michigan State University’s students and faculty as well as programs and initiatives throughout the university.
MSU has recently undertaken cost-cutting measures to align with budgetary constraints, making the outpouring of generosity from donors particularly inspiring and helpful, noted Michigan State University President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D.
“We could not have asked for a better way to ignite our capital campaign than by having a record-breaking year in Spartan generosity to pave the way forward,” said Guskiewicz. “I am grateful for donors’ belief in MSU, which underscores that when there is a need to be filled or a mission to be carried out — to make the world a far better place by supporting the next generation of leaders, fueling boundary-breaking research and sparking innovation on our campus and in communities beyond — Spartans will always answer the call.”
The fundraising total topped $300 million for the first time in a single year and reflects the passion for MSU’s impact on the world from alumni, partners, faculty, staff, students, parents, friends and fans, said Vice President for University Advancement Kim Tobin, Ph.D.
“In both periods of abundance and times of challenge, philanthropy is the difference maker between maintaining the status quo and achieving excellence. It’s an optimistic act that promises a brighter future,” Tobin said. “Through their generosity, MSU’s donors have demonstrated their commitment to settling for nothing less than greatness.”
The record-breaking year set a new momentum for MSU’s Uncommon Will, Far Better World campaign, led by co-chairs Ben and Barbara Maibach and Dawn and Greg Williams.
The Maibachs are longtime MSU donors, whose support has grown from their first gift of $1 in 1969 to an endowment that created the Maibach Smiley Alzheimer’s Research Professorship in the College of Human Medicine in 2022. The couple has also supported student scholarships and fellowships, athletic facilities and, most recently, the Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences Research Center.
“Imagine if there is no longer Alzheimer’s, or Parkinson’s or cancer,” Barbara Maibach said. “That is what we believe can happen with the synergies that are coming together for solutions to challenges like these that will impact our state, our country and our world.”
“This campaign is more than dollars,” Ben Maibach added. “It is our future.”
Alumnus Ceo Bauer holds the distinction of being one of MSU’s most steadfast donors with a consecutive giving streak of 72 years — longer than any other donor. Last year, he gave to the College of Engineering, which he has been supporting consistently since earning his civil engineering degree in 1949.
The World War II veteran gives because he feels a sense of responsibility to help and to inspire the next generation. “It is my duty — as a soldier, as an MSU graduate and as a citizen of the world — to do what I can to make it better for everyone.”
On the other end of the giving spectrum were 8,704 donors who made their first gift to MSU during the past year. Among them were 2025 graduate Ella O’Neill and student Addyson Richard.
Richard gave $5 each to MSU Libraries’ world-renowned comic art collection and an MSU Archives program that preserves video assets — both causes near and dear to her as a film studies major. While O’Neill, who majored in communication, gave $65 to the Sales Alumni Endowed Scholarship in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, which earned her a philanthropy cord to add to her gown on graduation day.
“The Sales Leadership Minor program really changed my life. It’s the reason that I have the opportunities I have today,” said O’Neill. “I wanted to give other students opportunities that I had.”
Donor support in fiscal year 2025 impacted every part of MSU’s campaign ambitions to activate talent, catalyze synergies and build for the future, including:
The milestone year magnifies the unwavering support of MSU’s donors, helping to ensure that Michigan State can continue to support student success and thrive for generations to come.
The campaign’s $4 billion goal was announced in March and, to date, more than $1.27 billion has been raised. Learn more about supporting the Uncommon Will, Far Better World campaign at farbetterworld.msu.edu.
Listen to the MSU Today podcast where President Guskiewicz and Vice President Tobin discuss the campaign’s success.
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