Alumni Communities Supporting Students
Our alumni serve as the biggest advocates for Michigan State University.
Our alumni communities are spread across the nation and world, and our alumni serve as the biggest advocates for Michigan State University. Our unit is pleased to serve as a resource for how alumni communities can work to support students and their education at Michigan State University.
You can make the dream of coming to Michigan State University possible for a future Spartan from your region! The Office of Philanthropy for Undergraduate Education works with MSU alumni communities around the country and the world to create scholarships for students with a permanent residential address in their designated geographic territory. In the case of interest-based alumni communities, scholarships can be created for students who share those interests.
If you are interested in supporting an existing alumni community sponsored award, or if you represent a community wishing to create a new scholarship, please contact Jennifer Bertram, Senior Director of Development, at (517) 432-7345. Also be sure to look at the Scholarship Fundraising Toolkit eBook in our Resources section.
If you would like to make a gift to an existing community award through our secure online donation site, please visit https://givingto.msu.edu/gift/ and enter all or part of the award name in the search field at the bottom of the screen. If you are not sure of the name of the award associated with your area please contact our office.
You can learn more about the The Office of Philanthropy for Undergraduate Education campaign priorities by exploring the different areas of this website, viewing our case statement (PDF), or visiting our campaign portal on the University Advancement website.
“Creating an endowed scholarship was long a dream in the St. Louis MSU alumni community, and we've now launched a second endowment effort. I’ve witnessed the impact of scholarship funding through getting to know a repeat winner of the STLSpartans Endowed Scholarship. Spartan alumni communities around the world regularly provide funding of local and university sponsored scholarships. I’m proud we are investing in tomorrow’s Spartans. That’s an investment in a greater future, not just for the Spartan Nation, but for the world.” - Tom Benner, St. Louis Spartans board member
Things To Consider When Supporting Scholarships
- Gifts to support scholarships will receive credit for Michigan State University donor recognition groups.
- Multi-year pledges to support endowments are encouraged. Gifts payable over five years are readily accommodated.
- If you or your spouse work for a matching gift company, your gift may be matched at a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio from your company.
- The Office of Philanthropy for Undergraduate Education would be pleased to discuss how you may include Michigan State University in your estate plans.
Additional Resources
MSU Promise Endowed Scholarship
The MSU Promise Scholarship fund allows donors to contribute to general undergraduate student scholarships, without needing to create their own endowment. Donations to this fund help the University award many scholarships each year.
Make a GiftUniversity Undergraduate Research & Arts Forum
The University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum is an annual competition that provides Michigan State undergraduates the opportunity to highlight their scholarship and creative endeavors.
Make a GiftStudent Emergency Assistance Fund
The Student Emergency Assistance Fund allows MSU to step in to assist students who are in need as a result of unexpected emergency situations.
Make a GiftI want to create a scholarship at Michigan State University. What are my next steps?
If you would like to create a scholarship to benefit undergraduate students at MSU, please contact our office by email at bertram9@msu.edu or by phone at 1-517-432-7345. We are happy to assist you in the process of creating a gift in support of our students. Our office will work with you to draft a legal endowment or expendable fund agreement, outlining the criteria and procedures for dispersing the award.
Remembering William “Bill” Beachler
William "Bill" Beachler, creator of the Pride Scholarship at MSU, passed away on January 11.
Changing Lives as a Community, One Gift at a Time
The Atlantic magazine describes a Michigan community's efforts to send all its kids to college with the help of scholarship support. Every gift makes a difference in the life of a student.
What Being Spartan Loyal Means for MSU Students
The MSU Alumni Association is moving away from a dues-based membership system. Find out what this means for you, and how the transition can help us provide scholarships to more MSU students.
Scholarship Luncheon 2014
Our annual scholarship luncheon was held on September 26 (Homecoming Weekend) this year. View photos and video from the event, which was held to celebrate student scholarship recipients & donors.
Throwback Thursday: Teddy Roosevelt at MSU
In 1907 President Theodore Roosevelt spoke at the semicenntenial celebration of the founding of agricultural colleges in the United States.
Become a Spartan Advocate
The Spartan Advocate program is one way you can help support MSU by communicating the importance of supporting MSU and higher education to others. Read to learn more and get involved!
