Michigan State University Athletics
$1 Million Gift to Support 10 Varsity Sports
2/3/2022 4:30:00 PM | General
Michigan State Athletics has received a $1 million gift from Michael Williams to benefit 10 sport programs, providing funds for priorities such as recruiting, technology, team travel, food and nutrition, wellness and mental health resources, and performance coaching opportunities.
Varsity sports receiving philanthropic support from Williams' gift include women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's soccer, women's tennis, men's and women's track and field, volleyball and wrestling.
MSU President Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D.: "Mike Williams' passion for excellence and the care for student-athletes expressed by his gift will make a significant impact across a number of MSU sports. I thank Mike for his engagement and support, and am proud to have him as a member of our Spartan community."
MSU Vice President and Director of Athletics, Alan Haller: "We're grateful for Mike and his vision to be a part of transforming MSU Athletics. His gift will have an immediate impact on the daily experience for so many of our student-athletes. Mike's generous support for his hometown school mirrors our commitment to investing in the community. Together we can raise the bar, create history and celebrate success."
Michael Williams: "Michigan State University and athletics have been staples in my life. This was an opportunity to align my admiration for MSU and my competitive nature to have an immediate impact on programs that are not always in the spotlight. I believe these programs are on the cusp of being great. This contribution is how I can help elevate these programs and better the experience for Spartan student-athletes.
"Much of who I am is because of my experience growing up locally (Okemos) with Michigan State in my backyard and participating in sports. Skills I learned like teamwork, work ethic, dedication to craft, and leadership have been valuable to me in business and life in general. Supporting Spartan student-athletes and giving them a better experience can set them up for future success.
"I'm a local guy trying to make a difference. I am proud to support MSU and provide back to the local community that's given me so much. My goal is to inspire others within the broad MSU community to do the same."
MSU Women's Basketball head coach Suzy Merchant: "We could not be more grateful to Mike for this incredible gift to our Women's Basketball program. Our current and future Spartans will benefit greatly from his generosity and truly appreciate how this gift has impacted not just our team, but so many of the men's and women's Olympic sport programs at Michigan State. This is an absolute game changer for all of us. Thank you, Mike!"
MSU Men's Soccer head coach Damon Rensing: "MSU Men's Soccer is extremely grateful for this generous gift which Mike has made to our program. This investment will allow us to operate at a first-class level in recruiting, travel, operations, and facilities while also enhancing the complete student-athlete experience from growth in leadership, career development, and mental health. Mike's contribution will have an immediate and lasting impact. We cannot thank him enough."
For those interested in more information on philanthropically supporting MSU Athletics, please visit spartanfund.net or call (517) 432-4610.
