MSU community shows leadership in give back initiative

MSU’s faculty, staff and retirees are well known for their contributions to the university not only through their hard work, talent, and professionalism, but also through their commendable financial support. Last August, as news spread about significant reductions in state funding to Michigan State students, MSU’s deans and vice presidents elected to donate their salary increases to support student financial aid, setting a standard that many others have chosen to follow.

All of MSU’s deans and vice presidents signed letters of intent, making a commitment to give back their 2009-2010 salary increases to the university in support of student financial aid. The number of signed letters quickly swelled to 135 as associate deans, associate vice presidents, directors and chairpersons also wished to participate. Since then, numerous other faculty and staff have joined in the effort to pledge their salary increases back to the university.

President Lou Anna K. Simon expressed her appreciation noting, “Their commitment truly embodies the spirit of Team MSU, a spirit that makes this university a very special place. At a time when many of our students and their families are feeling the pinch of the current global economic crisis, the decision of these individuals to give back, along with so many other staff and faculty, is a strong indication of the belief we all share in the core values and important mission of Michigan State University.”

Collectively, the gifts from these individuals will add more than half a million dollars in scholarship support with the amount increasing daily as others have pledged their salary increases to scholarship funds. Many directed their gifts to a general undergraduate scholarship fund which will be used by the office of financial aid to meet the needs of students this fiscal year. Others targeted their gifts toward a scholarship account in their college or school.

For more information about donating to MSU, contact either Special Gifts Director Karen Wenk at (517) 884-1084 or the director of development of your college or program.

Pictured: In the College of Music, the dean and associate deans unanimously opted to give their 2009-2010 salary increases to scholarship funds. From left: Curtis Olson, associate dean for undergraduate studies; James Forger, dean; Rhonda Buckley, associate dean for outreach and engagement; David Rayl, associate dean for graduate studies and research.