Historic Gift to propel Michigan State University Forward
East Lansing, MI - Michigan State University (MSU) and Spartan Athletics have received a landmark commitment of $401 million from alumni Greg and Dawn Williams, marking the largest single gift in the university’s history. The donation will significantly bolster both the university’s ”Uncommon Will, Far Better World” campaign and the “FOR SPARTA” initiative for athletic excellence.
The Williamses,serving as inaugural co-chairs of MSU’s $4 billion “Uncommon Will,Far Better World” campaign,have already contributed over $25 million to various MSU initiatives. this new commitment brings their total philanthropic support for the university to over $426 million.
“Words cannot express my gratitude for dawn and Greg,” said MSU men’s basketball head coach Tom Izzo. “They are truly difference makers whose support will benefit Spartans competing at elite levels for years and years to come. With their commitment,Dawn and Greg are leaving a legacy that is truly unmatched. It’s hard for me to comprehend the magnitude of their generosity, but I’m not surprised. their love and affection for Michigan State run deep,and when they see something they believe in,they jump all-in.”
MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz and his wife, Lupe, echoed Izzo’s sentiments.”Lupe and I are incredibly grateful for what Dawn and Greg are doing, and will continue to do, for Michigan State. We are lucky to call them great friends, and we are in awe of the way they inspire others. If Spartans follow their led, each in their own way, there’s no stopping our university and our athletic department.”
The $401 million gift will be instrumental in advancing the ”FOR SPARTA” capital initiative, a billion-dollar vision to elevate facilities, enhance the student-athlete experience, and maintain Spartan Athletics’ position as a leader in collage athletics. Together, it will support the broader goals of the “Uncommon Will, Far Better World” campaign, which focuses on student success, research and innovation, and expanding the university’s impact.
Greg Williams is the co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Acrisure, a company that has also demonstrated significant philanthropic commitment. Acrisure previously pledged $30 million to name and anchor the Acrisure Amphitheater in Grand Rapids,revitalizing the city’s riverfront. Further donations from Acrisure include $15 million for the Acrisure Center for Innovation in Children’s Health at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital and $7.5 million for the Heart Institute at the UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
Michigan State University, celebrating 170 years of advancing the common good, is a leading public research university offering over 400 programs of study across 17 degree-granting colleges.
More information about the “Uncommon Will, Far Better World” campaign can be found at https://givingto.msu.edu/far-better-world.
