EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State University announced a landmark $401 million commitment from Greg and Dawn Williams -- the largest single gift in the university’s history and one of the biggest donations ever made in college athletics.
The gift, made through MSU’s ‘Uncommon Will, Far Better World’ campaign and supporting the FOR SPARTA initiative, will significantly transform Spartan Athletics and boost academic programs across multiple fields.
“The commitment that Greg and Dawn are making represents an extraordinary act of generosity and belief in Michigan State University’s future,” MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz said. “We are deeply grateful for this historic commitment, which will strengthen our academic mission and support our student-athletes in meaningful, lasting ways.
Highlighting their close bond with MSU and the community, Greg and Dawn Williams said, “We’re proud and blessed to be in a position to support MSU’s leadership and its ambitious vision for the future. Some of our family’s fondest and most bonding memories revolve around MSU athletics, so these funds are well placed in supporting an institution that contributed so meaningfully to our lives.”
Of the total pledge, $290 million will fund Spartan Athletics through FOR SPARTA: The Capital Initiative for MSU Athletics.
This initiative seeks to boost MSU’s national competitiveness and establish a foundation for lasting success.
The Williamses are also investing $100 million in a new Spartan Ventures affiliate that will drive revenue, innovation, and development for MSU Athletics.
This investment will create new revenue streams, expand partnerships, and enhance opportunities for student-athletes.
Beyond athletics, $11 million of the gift will fund academic and extracurricular programs like the Burgess Institute, Eli Broad’s Risk Management program, the Spartan Marching and Pep Bands, and the Sparty Mascot Program.
“Words cannot express my gratitude for Dawn and Greg,” Tom Izzo said. “They are truly difference makers whose support will benefit Spartans competing at elite levels for years and years to come.”