Historic $401M Gift to Michigan State Will Benefit Athletics

Michigan State University has received a historic $401 million commitment, largely for athletics, from local philanthropists Greg and Dawn Williams.

The bulk of the donation—$290 million—supports Spartan athletics by seeding a newly launched campaign called FOR SPARTA: The Capital Initiative for MSU Athletics. It aims to raise $1 billion from donors “to elevate facilities, enhance the student-athlete experience and secure the department’s position as the leader in college athletics,” according to the university’s announcement.

Another $100 million will establish an affiliated organization called Spartan Ventures, designed to become “the revenue, innovation and development arm” of MSU Athletics, charged with devising new revenue streams and strategic partnerships, among other things.

The remaining $11 million will be used to support academic programs related to business and entrepreneurship and extracurricular activities including the Spartan marching and pep bands and the Sparty mascot program.

“The commitment that Greg and Dawn are making represents an extraordinary act of generosity and belief in Michigan State University’s future,” said MSU president Kevin M. Guskiewicz. “We are deeply grateful for this historic commitment, which will strengthen our academic mission and support our student athletes in meaningful, lasting ways. Their investment in both the university and the future of Spartan Athletics reflects a bold, shared vision for excellence and innovation. This moment will have a profound impact on generations of Spartans, and we are honored by their confidence in MSU.”

The gift does not come with any naming rights and will not go toward the more than $30 million severance package of fired head football coach Jonathan Smith, The Detroit News reported.