Published in the Lansing State Journal Dec. 24, 2025
More than 15,000 Spartan undergraduate, graduate and professional graduates in 2025 represent the highlights of our academic year and the fulfillment of Michigan State University’s core mission of nourishing our communities with citizens prepared to confront society’s great challenges.
This past year offered another highlight, the extraordinary $401 million commitment from local residents Greg and Dawn Williams, the largest in MSU’s history.
This commitment reflects the donors’ belief in what Michigan State stands for: opportunity, grit and a shared responsibility to lift up one another. It also represents a significant investment in all those whom MSU serves.
Greg and Dawn aren’t alums, but Spartans by choice. Their connection to MSU formed over years of bonding with family at athletic and other events. In fact, they began their lives as MSU donors with a $5 contribution to the Wharton Center for Performing Arts when they were newlyweds. They understand the role a great university like MSU plays in attracting world-class talent and in strengthening the region’s social and economic fabric.
Most of the Williamses’ commitment will support MSU Athletics’ capacity to compete nationally, build a sustainable foundation for long-term success and allow us to lead in this unfolding era of unprecedented change in college sports. Portions of it will also support academics and enrich the student experience, connecting learning, leadership and community.
Beyond MSU’s campus, the commitment will offer substantial support for our area’s economy and quality of life. Many of us enjoy the excitement of Spartan sports, from our football, hockey and men’s and women’s basketball programs to increasingly popular and successful sports such as soccer, volleyball and gymnastics. Intercollegiate sports are likened to a university’s front porch, inviting those who might encounter us first only on a televised game to witness our competitive excellence, learn about our university and share our pride.
Sporting events attract alums and fans to the surrounding local communities while they’re cheering on student athletes. All told, the Greater Lansing region welcomed 6.7 million visitors in 2024, booking 1.1 million rooms, according to Choose Lansing. These visitors generated $732 million in economic activity, supporting thousands of jobs.
More than direct economic benefits, Spartan Athletics also showcases our community on a national stage, generates local pride and conjures moments that bring us together. East Lansing and Lansing are gathering places for students, families, alums, fans and visitors, all sharing the excitement. It’s a powerful placemaking asset, making the region a more attractive place for employers and the people they recruit.
The Williamses join more than 132,000 unique donors committing $1.7 billion to MSU’s Uncommon Will, Far Better World campaign. Our generous donors recognize that a great university has many facets. Of the contributions made, 68% will support our academic programs and 32% supports athletics.
Academic programs, student life, athletics and community engagement don’t compete, but reinforce one another. Investments strengthen the whole institution and help ensure that Michigan State remains a place where traditions continue, businesses and residents thrive, and community pride is renewed year after year.
Philanthropy, at its core, is an optimistic act. By building authentic relationships — taking the time to truly know our donors, their hopes, and their passions — we create meaningful alignment between what matters most to them and the impact they wish to make. Philanthropy at the scale of the Williamses’ commitment sends a powerful message about Michigan State’s competitive aims and the importance of strategic investment in public universities — and in the prosperity of the communities they support.
Kevin Guskiewicz is president of Michigan State University.