Longtime Michigan State University supporters Joe and Julie Serra have made a $10 million commitment to FOR SPARTA, marking the largest gift their family has made to MSU and continuing a relationship with the university that spans nearly four decades. The commitment reflects the Serras’ longstanding support of Spartan Athletics and their confidence in its future under new leadership from Vice President and Director of Athletics Dan Bartholomae.
The gift is designated to FOR SPARTA and will be used in support of Spartan football, including improvements at Spartan Stadium, helping invest in the future of a place that has brought generations of Spartans together.
“Michigan State has been an important part of our family’s life for many years, and we are grateful for the friendships, experiences and memories we’ve shared through this university,” Joe and Julie Serra said. “We have great confidence in President Guskiewicz and are excited about the leadership Dan is bringing to Spartan Athletics. We believe there is a tremendous opportunity ahead for Michigan State. Spartan Stadium is a special place for our family and for so many Spartans, and we’re proud to make this commitment and help invest in its future.
“Joe and Julie’s extraordinary generosity reflects a commitment to Michigan State that extends far beyond philanthropy,” said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. “They believe deeply in this university, our student-athletes and the power of MSU to make a difference. I’ve seen that commitment firsthand through Joe’s leadership on our Green and White Council, where he brings his experience as a business leader to help us prepare Spartans for the future and strengthen Michigan’s economy. We are incredibly grateful for their partnership and for the many ways they continue to invest in our future.”
The commitment builds on Joe and Julie’s longstanding connection to Michigan State. Julie is a Michigan State alumna and a retired kindergarten teacher who has remained active in the Flint area community. Joe is chairman of Fenton-based Serra Automotive, a family business founded by his father, Albert, in 1973 that today ranks among the nation’s top 10 privately held retail automotive groups. Joe also serves on the MSU president’s Green and White Council. Their giving to MSU began in 1989.
The Serras’ commitment comes at an important moment for Spartan Athletics as MSU continues investing in the people, facilities and experiences necessary to compete at the highest level.
“Joe and Julie’s commitment is an incredible expression of trust in the future of Spartan Athletics, and I am grateful for their confidence in our team,” Bartholomae said. “We plan to direct their support toward improvements at Spartan Stadium, strengthening a place that means so much to our student-athletes, fans and generations of Spartans. Their generosity gives us an opportunity to invest thoughtfully in the experience we want to create at Michigan State.”
The Serras’ commitment will support FOR SPARTA, a $1 billion initiative focused on elevating facilities, enhancing the student-athlete experience and strengthening opportunities across Michigan State Athletics. FOR SPARTA is aligned with MSU’s $4 billion Uncommon Will, Far Better World campaign.
“Joe and Julie have built their relationship with Michigan State one experience, one conversation and one act of generosity at a time,” Vice President for University Advancement Kim Tobin said. “That is what makes this moment so meaningful. This extraordinary commitment is not simply about what they are giving, it reflects how deeply they care about the people and possibilities of this university. We are profoundly grateful for their friendship, their trust and their willingness to dream boldly with us about what comes next for Spartans.”
“Joe and Julie have been loyal supporters of Spartan Athletics for many years, and this commitment represents an important moment for FOR SPARTA,” said Jacob Kirkham, senior vice president of the Spartan Athletic Foundation and executive senior associate athletics director. “We are grateful for their confidence in the direction of the department and for their willingness to step forward in such a meaningful way. Their leadership helps build momentum as we invite others to invest in the future of Spartan Athletics.”
