Spartan generosity powers historic year of giving at MSU

Across Michigan State University, Spartan generosity is creating moments of possibility — providing students opportunities to belong and thrive, opening doors to discovery and building the future for generations of Spartans to come.

That spirit of giving powered the most successful fundraising year in MSU history. Between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, 63,616 donors contributed more than $736 million to Michigan State University, reflecting the collective impact of Spartans and friends across all the globe and representing a 94% increase in giving from last year’s $380 million total fundraised.

The record-breaking year was driven by donors and alumni supporting causes across the university, from scholarships and student success to research, athletics, health, the arts, faculty excellence, community engagement and a campus of the future. It also marks another major step forward for Uncommon Will, Far Better World, MSU’s $4 billion comprehensive campaign. To date, more than 137,656 donors have contributed $1.94 billion toward the campaign’s goal.

“This historic year of giving is really a story about people — Spartans and friends who saw something at Michigan State they cared about and chose to make it stronger,” said Kim Tobin, vice president for University Advancement. “That is the joy of philanthropy. It opens doors for students, gives faculty and researchers room to imagine what is possible, strengthens the places where Spartans learn and gather, and reminds us that every gift carries a deeply personal belief in MSU’s future. From transformational commitments to everyday acts of generosity, this year’s momentum was built by donors who gave with purpose, heart and uncommon will. We are profoundly grateful.”

President Kevin M. Guskiewicz said the year’s success reflects the strength of MSU’s mission and the enduring commitment of the Spartan community.

“Behind every gift is a person or family who believes in Michigan State — in our students, in our faculty, in our mission and in the good this university can do in the world,” Guskiewicz said. “This extraordinary year is not only a milestone for MSU; it is a reminder of the heart of the Spartan community and the far better future we are building together. We are incredibly grateful for our donors and for the profound expression of trust each gift represents. That generosity strengthens our responsibility to serve with purpose, steward these gifts well and continue building a university worthy of the belief so many have placed in us.”

Among the year’s most significant commitments was a historic $301 million gift from Greg and Dawn Williams. Raised in nearby Laingsburg, Dawn dedicated more than two decades of her career to MSU, while Greg is Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of Acrisure. Their commitment will transform Spartan Athletics while supporting the Eli Broad College of Business, the Spartan Marching Band and the Sparty Mascot Program. In addition to the philanthropic gifts to the university, the Williamses also contributed $100 million to Spartan Ventures, making their $401 million commitment the largest single investment in MSU history and one of the largest in college athletics history.

“MSU is not only the face of our community, but the health and well-being of East Lansing depends on a thriving and successful MSU,” said Greg and Dawn Williams. “In this regard, we’re proud and blessed to be in a position to support MSU’s leadership and its ambitious vision for the future.”

The year also included principal gifts that will shape MSU’s future across disciplines.

• The Leinweber Foundation committed $50 million to establish the Leinweber Center for Engineering and Digital Innovation, a 265,000-square-foot hub for digital learning, advanced research, entrepreneurship and industry collaboration.
• The center’s vision was further strengthened by leadership gifts from Mary and Mike Lamach, David F. Spalding and Randy Cowen and Phyllis Green, each contributing $10 million to support spaces, programs and discovery connected to the center.
• The School of Packaging received a transformational $47 million commitment from Chuck and Jackie Frasier, the largest gift in the history of the top-ranked school.
• Alumni Jay and Jill Craig made a $26.25 million commitment to strengthen student success across the Eli Broad College of Business and the College of Social Science.

Donors also strengthened the places and programs that bring Spartans together.

• Support from the Forest Akers Trust is transforming the MSU Libraries’ North Plaza into a more welcoming front porch for campus.
• Alumni Robert and Renee Greening created a named endowment for MSU’s Canadian Studies Center.
• Craig Fedore’s support of the Beal Botanical Garden will help enhance one of MSU’s most beloved natural spaces for future generations.

The joy of giving was especially visible on Give Green Day 2026, when Spartans came together for MSU’s most successful day of giving ever. More than 6,298 gifts raised nearly $6.5 million in 24 hours to support scholarships, student programs, academic initiatives and campus priorities.

Faculty, staff and retirees also demonstrated their belief in MSU by giving back to the university they help build every day. In the recent giving year, 8,290 current, former and retired faculty/staff contributed $30.7 million. During the Uncommon Will, Far Better World campaign, more than $156.9 million has been contributed by the same group to support programs and opportunities across MSU.

“This year belongs to the Spartans who gave,” Tobin said. “It belongs to every donor who saw a student, a program, a team, a garden, a library, a laboratory or a future worth supporting. Their generosity is creating momentum we can feel across campus and far beyond it. And most importantly, it is creating impact that will continue to unfold for generations.”