During Fiscal Year 2025, which closed on June 30, 65,506 donors committed a historic $380,110,317 to support Michigan State University’s students and faculty as well as programs and initiatives throughout the university.
The record-breaking year set a new momentum for MSU’s Uncommon Will, Far Better World campaign. President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., announced the campaign’s $4 billion goal in March. To date, more than $1.19 billion has been raised in the campaign.
In recent months, MSU has undertaken cost-cutting measures to align with budgetary constraints, making the outpouring of generosity from donors particularly inspiring and helpful, Guskiewicz noted.
“We could not have asked for a better way to ignite our campaign than by having a record-breaking year in Spartan generosity to pave the way forward," said President Guskiewicz. “I am grateful for donors’ belief in MSU, which underscores when there is a need to be filled, or a mission to be carried out — to make the world a far better place by supporting the next generation of leaders, fueling boundary-breaking research and sparking innovation on our campus and in communities beyond — Spartans will always answer the call."
The fundraising total topped $300 million for the first time in a single year and reflects the passion for MSU’s impact on the world from alumni, partners, faculty, staff, students, parents, friends and fans, said Vice President for University Advancement Kim Tobin, Ph.D.
“In both periods of abundance and times of challenge, philanthropy is the difference maker between maintaining the status quo and achieving excellence. It’s an optimistic act that promises a brighter future,” said VP Tobin. “Through their generosity, MSU’s donors have demonstrated their commitment to settling for nothing less than greatness.”
Five principal gifts led the way, collectively making up $138.5 million of the year’s total. MSU Alumni contributed 41 percent, including campaign co-chairs Ben and Barb Maibach and Dawn and Greg Williams.
The Maibachs are longtime MSU donors, whose support has grown from their first gift of $1 in 1969 to an endowment that created the Maibach Smiley Alzheimer’s Research Professorship in the College of Human Medicine in 2022. The couple has also supported student scholarships and fellowships, athletic facilities, and, most recently, supported the Henry Ford + MSU Research Center.
“Imagine if there is no longer Alzheimer’s, or Parkinson’s or cancer,” Barb Maibach said. “That is what we believe can happen with the synergies that are coming together for solutions to challenges like these that will impact our state, our country and our world.”
“This campaign is more than dollars,” Ben Maibach added. “It is our future.”
Alumnus Ceo Bauer, holds the distinction of being one of MSU’s most steadfast donors with a consecutive giving streak of 72 years, longer than any other donor. Last year, he gave to the College of Engineering, which he has been supporting consistently since earning his Civil Engineering degree in 1949.
The World War II veteran gives because he feels a sense of responsibility to help, and to inspire, the next generation. “It is my duty — as a soldier, as an MSU graduate, and as a citizen of the world, to do what I can to make it better for everyone.”
On the other end of the continuous giving spectrum, were the 8,704 donors who made their first gift to MSU during the past year. Among them were 2025 graduate Ella O’Neill and student Addyson Richard.
Richard gave $5 each to MSU Libraries’ world-renowned comic art collection and an MSU Archives program that preserves video assets, both causes near and dear to her as a film studies major. While O’Neill, who majored in communication, gave $65 to the Sales Alumni Endowed Scholarship in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences which earned her a philanthropy cord to add to her gown on graduation day.
“The sales leadership minor program really changed my life. It’s the reason that I have the opportunities I have today,” said O'Neill. "I wanted to give other students opportunities that I had.”
Donor support in FY25 impacted every part of MSU’s campaign ambitions to activate talent, imagine synergies and build for the future, including:
- The MSU Research Foundation designated $75 million to support strategic research priorities showing promise for high impact discoveries.
- Alumni Kristen and Justin Ishbia made a $10 million gift to support Spartan Athletics.
- The Leinweber Foundation made a gift to create a new STEM scholars program which is awarding $30,000 scholarships to rural Michigan students.
- Spartans across the world helped set a new record for Give Green Day on March 11, with 7,145 donors contributing a total of $2,231,350, the first time the day’s total exceeded $2 million.
The milestone year magnifies the unwavering support of MSU’s donors, helping to ensure that Michigan State can continue to support student success and thrive for generations to come.
Learn more about supporting the Uncommon Will, Far Better World campaign.
Listen to the MSU Today podcast where President Guskiewicz and Vice President Tobin discuss the success of FY25.