Lamach gift launches MSU’s next frontier in innovation 

A $10 million gift from alumni Mary and Mike Lamach is kick-starting Michigan State University’s fundraising efforts for the Engineering and Digital Innovation, or EDI, Center that will inspire multidisciplinary problem-solving in a dynamic new facility on campus.

“The EDI Center is where Spartans will imagine, create and learn to lead the industries of tomorrow,” said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. “We are grateful for the vision and generosity of the Lamachs, who were the first to step up for this project to support the next generation of hardworking Spartan innovators. These future Spartans will serve and empower their communities and, ultimately, transform our world for the better, which is a fitting tribute to Mary and Mike.”

Mike Lamach earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering from MSU, a foundation that launched a distinguished career in partnership with his wife, Mary. As former chair and CEO of Ingersoll Rand and Trane Technologies, he was nationally recognized for guiding the company’s transformation into a global leader in sustainability. Mary Lamach, who earned her bachelor’s degree in education, helped shape the couple’s philanthropic vision to support student education and, now, partner with MSU to create a space for innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

“There were so many others who laid the groundwork for what we experienced at Michigan State and then to know that we’re going to be part of laying that groundwork for future generations means a lot to me,” said Mary.

“The EDI Center will model real-life problem-solving,” said Mike. “Solving problems, innovation and generating the best ideas require multidisciplinary thinking and diversity of experience.”

The couple met at MSU and have been together for 42 years. Both were first in their respective families to attend and graduate from college. Mike remembers his first time on a college campus was when he pulled up to MSU’s Holmes Hall on move-in day.

“Mike and I love being at this point in our lives together,” Mary said. “We are thankful for the ability to give back to Michigan State with the hope that we can positively impact the trajectory of others’ lives the way that our Spartan experience changed our own lives.”

The naming of the Mary and Mike Lamach Auditorium and the Mary and Mike Lamach Auditorium Lobby in honor of the couple, along with authorization to plan for the Engineering and Digital Innovation Center, is pending approval by the Michigan State University Board of Trustees.

Conceptually modeled from the university’s collaboration with industry partners, the facility is planned to be a flexible, tech-enabled network of labs, classrooms and collaboration spaces that will mirror how ideas evolve in the workplace. Students and faculty from multiple colleges and disciplines will engage at the center, including through programs in entrepreneurship, game design, cybersecurity, quantum technology and space electronics.

The new building will be strategically located in the heart of MSU’s campus, steps from the Engineering Building and the STEM Teaching and Learning Facility, with the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams within view.

“We’re excited about our progress on the planned EDI Center, which will bring together education, research and career preparation, creating countless opportunities in engineering, materials science, robotics, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors and artificial intelligence,” said College of Engineering Interim Dean and MSU Research Foundation Professor John Papapolymerou. “Within this dynamic hub, Spartans will work across disciplines and leverage resources in one place to bring bold ideas to life. We are grateful to Mike and Mary for their vision and generosity that will help us make this hub a reality.”

On Oct. 23, the Lamachs were honored as Philanthropists of the Year at the university’s Grand Awards. These awards are among the highest distinctions MSU bestows upon its alums.

The project is a key objective of MSU’s comprehensive fundraising campaign, Uncommon Will, Far Better World. President Guskiewicz announced the campaign’s $4 billion goal in March to equip Spartans with the resources, experiences and knowledge to address the world’s greatest challenges, solidify MSU as a talent activator and to create a thriving society.

“Philanthropy is an act of optimism — a belief in what’s possible,” said University Advancement Vice President Kim Tobin. “Leaders like Mary and Mike Lamach are accelerating impact and inspiring others to invest in our mission during MSU’s most ambitious fundraising campaign.”

Learn more about the Uncommon Will, Far Better World campaign and the EDI Center.