Give Green Day 2025 was nothing short of historic. Spartan spirit showed up in full force to shatter previous giving day records, raising $2,231,350 from 7,145 passionate donors in support of students and to help shape a better future.
Held on March 11, this year’s Give Green Day capped off the public launch of MSU’s next comprehensive campaign: Uncommon Will, Far Better World. Just two days earlier, MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., announced the $4 billion campaign goal, with over $1 billion already received from more than 120,000 donors. On Give Green Day alone, 1,319 new donors added their names to that tally.
“The energy, open heartedness and uncommon will of the Spartan community was undeniable as we launched our campaign and celebrated Give Green Day,” said President Guskiewicz. “These gifts are creating lasting impact for students, for our state and far beyond. We couldn’t be more proud and grateful for the generosity of Spartans and their spirit in this historic moment that is ushering in a new chapter at MSU.”
By day’s end, 7,711 gifts poured in — a powerful demonstration of pride, purpose and belief in MSU’s mission from across the globe. “Students, alumni, parents, faculty, staff, fans and friends came together to show what’s possible when a community believes in something bigger than itself,” said Kim Tobin, vice president for University Advancement.
Give Green Day has grown exponentially since its launch in 2016, with thousands of annual gifts adding up to almost $11,000,000 in support for MSU. In 2024, 7,073 donors raised $1.55 million. This year’s momentum built on that strong foundation — supercharged by matches and challenges that brought the campus and global Spartan community together in exciting new ways.
The MSU Federal Credit Union led the charge with $100,000 in matching funds and President Guskiewicz allocated an additional $100,000 to amplify the impact. The result? A powerful, community-wide moment of generosity and joy.
The campus was alive with energy. Students searched for — and kept — plush Spartys, while directing challenge funds to the programs and causes they love most. For Madison Cunningham (’25), finding Sparty and supporting emergency funds felt like more than just fun — it felt meaningful.
“It felt great finding Sparty,” said Madison, adding: “It was nice to be able to donate to help another MSU student.”
Give Green Day also made a bold statement in support of MSU Athletics. A record 2,524 donors gave $1,145,324 to support MSU’s student-athletes.
Jeff Lobdell, ’88, was happy to get a reminder on Give Green Day to support MSU Athletics, stating: “I chose the MSU Hockey Team, knowing my support helps make for a better student-athlete experience and hopefully contributes to their success.”
Paul Pradel, ’93, also supported hockey, noting that head coach Adam Nightingale and his staff are building more than a hockey team. “They’re building a community and culture, and it was easy for me to support what they are doing for Michigan State hockey,” he said.
By days end, the support for Ice Hockey totaled $113,284 from 303 gifts, which enabled the purchase of a Sprinter van to help recruit talent from the region.
“We can’t thank our fans and alumni enough for stepping up in a record-setting way on Give Green Day,” said Head Coach Adam Nightingale. “This was a team effort and resulted in our new Sprinter van we will utilize for on-campus recruiting and engagement, helping to bring in the guys who will help us remain one of the most elite programs in all of college hockey.”
Gifts on Give Green Day supported over 776 individual programs, student groups and scholarships. MSU alumni clubs across the world especially stepped up, with over 60 clubs raising more than $265,000.
If you missed the opportunity to take part in this year’s Give Green Day, it’s not too late! Visit givingday.msu.edu to learn more about how and where you can continue to make a difference.