EAST LANSING – Michigan State University (MSU) President Kevin Guskiewicz unveiled the university’s largest-ever fundraising campaign on Sunday, setting a goal of $4 billion to support the institution. This campaign, called “Uncommon Will, Far Better World,” is more than double the size of MSU’s previous fundraising effort.
The campaign officially began on Sunday, though it has been collecting donations since 2022. Prior to the public launch, approximately 120,000 donors contributed $1 billion toward the campaign. Guskiewicz explained that the funds will be allocated across three key areas: $2 billion for scholarships and program support, $1 billion for research and endowed professorships, and $1 billion for capital projects and new programs. The campaign is expected to run through 2032.
Guskiewicz emphasized that fundraising is about showcasing the impact of donations on students, faculty, and university programs. “When a donor sees and feels the impact on not just a student, but a program or the university, you can do great things,” he said.
Although Guskiewicz became president after the campaign’s planning phase, he added his own priorities. One of his key initiatives is the Joseph R. and Sarah L. Williams Scholarship, which will cover full-time undergraduate enrollment for first-degree students. The raised funds will also help enhance MSU’s research capabilities, which amounted to $932 million in 2024. Guskiewicz aims to expand MSU’s role as a leading global research institution.
Additionally, the campaign will support building new campus spaces to meet future student needs. “This campaign is going to help us best prepare the next generation of leaders,” Guskiewicz stated.
Kim Tobin, MSU’s Vice President of University Advancement, noted that the $4 billion target is in line with similar campaigns at peer universities. “Many of our peers are raising $3 billion, $4 billion,” she said. MSU has already raised $1 billion, leaving $3 billion to be raised in the next eight years.
The university is focusing its outreach on its 545,000 living alumni, aiming to build relationships and trust. “You have to get to know people and hear their ‘Spartan story,’” said Tobin. MSU’s previous campaign, which concluded in 2018 with a goal of $1.5 billion, surpassed its target by raising $1.83 billion from over 250,000 donors.
If MSU exceeds its $4 billion goal before 2032, the campaign will continue. “We expect to surpass that number,” Tobin said, noting the possibility of achieving the goal ahead of schedule.
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