A letter from the President

Dear Michigan State colleagues,

In any shared challenge — be it a friendly ball game or the serious financial, health and other issues many in our community confront — I believe we’re at our best when we pull together.

Collectively, as the nation’s premier land-grant university — and individually, as caring Spartans — our defining characteristic has always been our engagement in our communities and dedication to the good of all.

Nothing better illustrates the impact of working as one team than our MSU Shares campaign, which shepherds university employees’ generosity toward pressing needs in our region and across Michigan.

We can be proud that we have stepped up: Last year, MSU employees gave more than $204,000 to the campaign, with 88% of our campus major operating units participating.

We are proud, too, to partner with the South Central Michigan United Way. It is the primary agency exercising stewardship of our financial gifts through investments in financial security, youth opportunity, and community resilience and health — keeping our contributions right here in mid-Michigan.

And much like the multiplying effect of a dollar invested in higher education, a dollar invested through the United Way's proven programs and trusted partnerships brings an additional $3.17 into our communities.

Contributions to MSU Shares need not be limited to a particular agency or locality. Our many employees across Michigan are free to direct their gifts to any United Way or qualifying charitable organization.

Please consider growing the impact of your generosity by giving to MSU Shares this year.

Sincerely,

Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D.
President, Michigan State University
John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor, Department of Kinesiology