With first-hand knowledge of the financial challenges many students face in their pursuit of a college education, the Associated Students of Michigan State University (ASMSU) recently launched two new funds dedicated to support undergraduate students with scholarships.
First, ASMSU established a new Spartan Scholarship opportunity to enhance the support available for incoming freshmen with financial need. “Private scholarships are playing a crucial role in keeping the dream of an MSU education alive for many students,” noted Bob Groves, vice president for University Advancement. “I am immensely pleased that ASMSU would recognize the importance of investing in student scholarship endowments which will help and encourage MSU students now and in the future.”
Members of ASMSU also wished to support students who exhibited active educational and organizational leadership in the MSU community. The group established a new ASMSU Scholarship for Student Leaders to ensure that the financial demands and impacts on these students are minimized.
“MSU has a history of encouraging student leadership, both inside and outside of the classroom, and this is just one more resource available to help inspire students to be engaged throughout their college experience” said Denise Maybank, interim vice president for Student Affairs and Services. “This scholarship complements the university’s efforts to inspire students to understand the leadership roles and responsibilities they will need to fulfill within the global society when they leave MSU.”
Fisheries and Wildlife Senior Allyson Hughes was selected as one of the first recipients in recognition of her active involvement with the Fisheries and Wildlife Club, the American Indian Science and Engineering Society and the North American Indigenous Student Organization. The ASMSU Scholarship for Student Leaders is helping Allyson devote more time and effort to campus student organization involvement, diversity and outreach while she pursues her degree.
“As a Tlingit tribal student in natural resources, I have a great interest in taking a lead in expanding cultural diversity and inclusion, both on campus and within my f ield of study,” Allyson said. “However, as a struggling college student, I must balance my commitments of academic success, student leadership experiences and financial obligations.”
Established in 1965, the Associated Students of Michigan State University is the undergraduate student government serving through a student-voted fee. ASMSU provides many valuable services to all MSU students such as loans, legal counsel and representation on academic and non-academic issues. ASMSU also provides funding for student organizations and special events to enrich the campus community.
For more information on making a gift to Student Affairs and Services, contact Director of Development Ann Marie Lindley at (517) 432-7543; alindley@vps.msu.edu.