Edwin: B.A. North Central College, 1969
Wanda: B.A. North Central College 1970
Honorary Alumni: Presented to non-alumni candidates who have made an outstanding impact on behalf of Michigan State University on a local, state, national or international level.
They are dedicated philanthropists, longtime supporters of the College of Music and Spartans.
Music has always been important to Ed and Wanda Eichler. It’s a love they passed on to their children, and it’s a legacy they’re building at MSU, though never attending the university themselves. The Eichlers initially became Spartans by way of their three children who are all Spartan Marching Band alumni. They are dedicated, transformational supporters of Michigan State University and mainstays of their community in Pigeon, Michigan.
The Eichlers’ contributions to MSU have had a lasting impact on the success and wellness of music students. They were active in coordinating the Forest Akers Trust Practice Complex and established the Eichler Family Teaching Tower and Gallery to aid instruction for the marching band. This provided a safer turfgrass field, improved practice space and ample spectator seating for the Spartan Marching Band rehearsals. Their gift to help complete funding for the Billman Music Pavilion resulted in Eichler Hall, a rehearsal space built for ambisonic performances. Additionally, they gifted 62 brand new trumpets in 2011 to the Spartan Marching Band, providing a uniform look and sound for the trumpet section.
Most recently, the Eichlers made a significant gift that allowed the Red Cedar Organ, a state-of-the-art, custom-made Létourneau pipe organ, to be built in the MSU Alumni Chapel. The Eichlers’ passion for giving back and eagerness to meet the needs of MSU students and faculty exemplifies the Spartan spirit. Their impact can be seen ?— and heard ?— campus-wide.
“Music has the ability to take a space and turn it into something very precious for people.”
Who will continue to grow? Spartans Will.
Aimee Klevorn