Lyman Bridge College, Michigan State University (Attended) | B.S. in Physics, Hiram College | M.B.A. in Finance, Eastern Michigan University
The Honorary Alumni Award is presented to those non-alumni candidates who have made an outstanding impact on behalf of Michigan State University on a local, state, national or international level.
She’s a former Ernst and Young principal, Lyman Briggs philanthropist, MSU Horticulture Gardens volunteer and an honorary Spartan.
Patricia Merry has come full circle. Having attended classes with Michigan State University’s Lyman Briggs College, she has returned as a Spartan force for philanthropic good. Before completing her MSU degree, Merry joined her Spartan alumnus husband, Dr. Donald Borseth, for his advanced degree work elsewhere. She spent her career at Ernst and Young, rising to Global Support Practice principal.
In memory of her Spartan alumna sister, Merry established the Pamela Ann Merry Endowed Scholarship in Lyman Briggs, which has aided students for 20 years. Merry and her husband also established a Lyman Briggs scholarship for Cass Technical High School students from their hometown of Detroit. Merry served on Lyman Briggs’ volunteer board for MSU’s Empower Extraordinary Campaign and spearheaded the college’s 50th anniversary efforts.
Merry’s support has blossomed through MSU Horticulture Gardens volunteerism. She and her husband established the Endowment for Education in the Michigan 4-H Children’s Garden to improve educational programs. Named 2010 Docent of the Year, Merry teaches children’s programs, and even helps with plant sales and garden maintenance.
“I’ve been part of the Briggs family, but not having an MSU degree was always a missing piece and so being an honorary alumna means that missing piece is filled.”
Spartans will make a difference.
