Whether helping students to gain global experiences or ensuring the Wharton Center for Performing Arts can share artistic culture with the community, Larry Lee (’70, Journalism) is doing his part to help Michigan State University thrive. Lee has made a charitable bequest to the School of Journalism in support of study abroad scholarships and to the Wharton Center’s general endowment. He is recognized in MSU’s Snyder Donor Society.
Lee has been actively involved with the College of Communication Arts and Sciences as an alumnus and donor, and has served on the School of Journalism Centennial Committee. Throughout his career he worked for Gongwer News Service, a state level political news source that operates services in Michigan and Ohio. Lee eventually became one of three principal owners in the company and attributes his success to his MSU and CAS background.
“I benefited from hard-nosed training in the School of Journalism and an academic adviser, Mary Gardner, whose exacting standards and common-sense approach helped to set a long-term guide. The State News provided professional-grade experience, the chance to cover critical events in the turbulent ’60s and connected me to the job I held throughout my career beginning after graduation,” said Lee.
Lee gained valuable knowledge and experience on the MSU campus and is eager to give back to his fellow Spartans as an alumnus.
“I am impressed by the challenges today’s students face with tuition and costs of attending college at such a high level compared to what they are able to earn,” said Lee. “We’ve seen state support slashed over the years by an astonishing amount and while alumni giving cannot and should not take the place of public support, it can serve an important role in adding to the overall experience and help students set and achieve their goals.”
As an individual who appreciates the diversity of cultures and enjoys traveling the world, Lee wanted to help others share these passions through his donations.
“Now, the university is rightfully encouraging a wide range of study abroad experiences in recognition that we are influencing and are influenced by cultures everywhere on a daily basis.
My gift is specifically designated to assist students in pursuing those study abroad opportunities,” explained Lee. “At Wharton, I hope the gifts can be used in a general way to sustain programs that are tremendously diverse and of high quality. Everything from lectures to small venue dramas to large shows serve students and the community in very important ways.”
Larry has enjoyed all MSU has to offer first hand.
“For me, living close to the university, I have been able to continue to take advantage of the cultural programs throughout the year and with my involvement in the Mary Gardner Scholarship, I have been privileged to appreciate how students are adapting to and leading the change in our journalism profession.”
For more information on making a gift to the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, contact Assistant Director of Development Rebecca Pagels at (517) 432-4770.