Each year Michigan State University’s faculty, staff, and retirees prove to be among the most dedicated and generous in the nation in giving back to support their university. Among those who have demonstrated steadfast and exemplary pride and commitment to MSU is Faculty Emeritus Marilyn Mook (MS ’73, Food Science and Human Nutrition). Marilyn has a 35-year history of giving to the university. She has been a leader in establishing significant support for WKAR and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) through cash contributions and through a charitable bequest.
A member of MSU’s Shaw Donor Society, Marilyn has established two endowments. The Marilyn Mook Endowed Scholarship is awarded annually to an undergraduate student in dietetics or nutritional sciences. The scholarship honors Marilyn’s years of service as a valued member of the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition where she was recognized as an outstanding advisor and instructor.
She also created a unique endowed fund to support professional development efforts at WKAR. As an educator she recognized the need for continuing education for the staff in order to maintain excellence in public broadcasting. The Marilyn Mook Staff Development Endowment Fund supports many of WKAR’s professional staff in attending conferences and participating in other educational opportunities each year/
Marilyn has also made annual gifts, designating support for various MSU initiatives including classical music at WKAR.
Last year, Marilyn agreed to tape a testimonial for WKAR broadcasts due to her long history of support for the station and her desire to encourage others to do the same. In it, she noted “I contribute to WKAR because I feel the station is mine.
She has also been a devoted volunteer for both WKAR Radio/TV and for the CANR, helping with pledge drives, Radio Talking Book reading, fundraisers, auctions, and the CANR Autumnfest. Her volunteerism was recognized by the MSU Alumni Assocation in 2006 when she was presented with the Alumni Service Award.