The momentum is building thanks to the 63,616 donors and alums who collectively raised $736,075,684 in support of the causes they care about at Michigan State.
This generosity makes crucial funds available to activate talent, fuel collaborative partnerships across Michigan and build the campus of the future. It is yet another record-breaking milestone toward the bold Uncommon Will, Far Better World campaign goal of $4 billion, with over $1.94 billion raised so far.
“This historic year of giving is really a story about people — Spartans and friends who saw something at Michigan State they cared about and chose to make it stronger,” said Kim Tobin, vice president for University Advancement. “That is the joy of philanthropy. It opens doors for students, gives faculty and researchers room to imagine what is possible, strengthens the places where Spartans learn and gather, and reminds us that every gift carries a deeply personal belief in MSU’s future. From transformational commitments to everyday acts of generosity, this year’s momentum was built by donors who gave with purpose, heart and uncommon will. We are profoundly grateful.”
President Kevin M. Guskiewicz said the year’s success reflects the strength of MSU’s mission and the enduring commitment of the Spartan community.
“Behind every gift is a person or family who believes in Michigan State — in our students, in our faculty, in our mission and in the good this university can do in the world,” Guskiewicz said. “This extraordinary year is not only a milestone for MSU; it is a reminder of the heart of the Spartan community and the far better future we are building together. We are incredibly grateful for our donors and for the profound expression of trust each gift represents. That generosity strengthens our responsibility to serve with purpose, steward these gifts well and continue building a university worthy of the belief so many have placed in us.”
Among the year’s most significant commitments was a historic $301 million gift from Greg and Dawn Williams. Raised in nearby Laingsburg, Dawn dedicated more than two decades of her career to Michigan State, while Greg is co-founder, chairman and CEO of Acrisure. Their commitment will transform Spartan Athletics while supporting the Eli Broad College of Business, the Spartan Marching Band and the Sparty Mascot Program. In addition to the philanthropic gifts to the university, the Williamses also contributed $100 million to Spartan Ventures, making their $401 million commitment the largest single investment in MSU history and one of the largest in college athletics history.
“MSU is not only the face of our community, but the health and well-being of East Lansing depends on a thriving and successful MSU,” said Greg and Dawn Williams. “In this regard, we’re proud and blessed to be in a position to support MSU’s leadership and its ambitious vision for the future.”
The momentum kept rolling throughout the year with other principal gifts promising to carry forward the campaign’s ambitions to active talent, imagine synergies and build for the future:
- The Leinweber Foundation committed $50 million to establish the Leinweber Center for Engineering and Digital Innovation. Alumnus David F. Spalding added another $10 million for the project, and alum Randy Cowen and his spouse Phyllis Green pledged another $10 million in support of the facility and an endowed position in physics.
- The School of Packaging received a generous $47 million gift from alums Chuck and Jackie Frasier. The gift was the largest in the history of the top-ranked, world-renowned school.
- Alumni Jay and Jill Craig made a $26.25 million commitment to boost student success across the Eli Broad College of Business and the College of Social Science.
A rendering of the future Leinweber Center for Engineering and Digital Innovation, where collaboration, discovery and innovation will inspire the next generation of Spartan leaders.
These gifts helped drive record success for the second straight year. Last year’s fundraising total topped $300 million for the first time, reaching $380 million. That achievement took the combined effort of alumni, students, faculty and staff, friends and other partners proud to call themselves Spartans.
Across campus, donors invested in students through critical scholarship support initiatives like the Social Science Scholars Program, the Cosper Scholarship, the F.A.M.E. program, and for the College of Human Medicine.
“Scholarships open opportunities,” said Dr. Andrea Wendling, M.D., of the College of Human Medicine. “Students can follow their passion to care for a community in the way that they can make the most impact and can make this decision with confidence.”
Donors also strengthened the places and programs that bring Spartans together. Support from the Forest Akers Trust is transforming the MSU Libraries North Plaza, creating an inviting front porch for campus where students, faculty, staff and visitors gather. Alumni Robert and Renee Greening are expanding collaborative opportunities for international research and engagement through an endowment to the Canadian Studies Center. And the Fedore family’s support of the Beal Botanical Garden will help preserve and enhance one of the university’s most beloved natural features.
While transformational gifts helped define the year, the record-breaking milestone would not have been possible without participation at every level. Thousands of Spartans came together for the university’s most successful Give Green Day ever. More than 6,200 gifts raised a record-breaking $6.5 million during the annual 24-hour celebration of philanthropy.
Faculty and staff also demonstrated their commitment to Michigan State, with 8,290 current, former, and retired faculty/staff donors contributing to causes across campus. Together, their support helped power a historic year of giving and advancing opportunities for students, research and programs across the university.
“When donors seek to support us, they’re changing what happens in the world,” said Deborah Johnson, retired MSU Research Foundation Distinguished Professor. “You have to be generous with others. Those values take us to a place that continues to change and elevate the world. And we need it right now.”
As the positive impact of 2026’s record-breaking year is realized at Michigan State, it is Spartans everywhere who are being celebrated as they proudly build a far better future together.
