AD Haller Unveils Priorities for Uncommon Will, Far Better World Campaign

Spartans,

What an incredible time to be a Spartan! In the last two weeks we’ve celebrated Big Ten regular-season championships for men’s basketball and hockey. In fact, Michigan State is the first ever conference school to win both those Big Ten regular-season titles in the same season. Since the start of the 2023-24 year, Michigan State has won eight conference titles, ranking tied for first in the Big Ten over that stretch.

March is always an exciting time for Michigan State athletics, and this year is certainly no exception. The madness is real, and the possibilities are endless!

Sunday morning, Michigan State University announced Uncommon Will, Far Better World, a $4 billion campaign. In his letter to the Michigan State community, President Kevin Guskiewicz described the campaign as an opportunity to “push boundaries, take brave action and lead the way in tackling the most pressing challenges of our time.” His challenge to be visionary and shape the future speaks to the opportunities before our community.

For generations, Michigan State has been a leader in college athletics. Today, we’re experiencing change on an unprecedented scale. Evolution and adaptation are required to remain highly competitive at the Big Ten and national level. Your philanthropic support makes that possible. It’s your generosity that will propel us forward and continue our excellence for years to come.

With an overall goal of $750 million for athletics, we enter the campaign with a focus on four priorities.

Spartan Stadium Renovation – The home of Spartan football for more than 100 seasons, Spartan Stadium stands tall in the center of the Michigan State campus. Last December, the Board of Trustees granted Permission to Plan for the future modernization of the stadium. This is an opportunity to dramatically change the look and feel of the stadium, providing new seating options and an improved gameday experience for fans. For example, imagine how different Spartan Stadium could be with an East Tower, delivering increased fan amenities to the Green and White faithful. Given the centralized location of the stadium, it’s also an opportunity to develop a space which could advance the University’s academic, research and outreach missions. Football gamedays are special at Michigan State, full of history and tradition. Renovations to Spartan Stadium will allow those to continue for decades to come, while providing the elevated comfort and experience of a next-generation stadium.
Competitive Excellence Fund – The newly launched Competitive Excellence Fund is designed to maintain and elevate the standard of MSU athletics in the new collegiate landscape. Contributions to this fund allow the department to address the greatest need at any particular time, across any program, sport or department initiative. The non-restrictive nature of the fund allows for the operational flexibility and strategic decision making necessary to adapt to the dynamic demands of college athletics.

Support of this fund is paramount to MSU continuing the excellence it’s shown on the field of competition in recent years. To that end, my wife LaRonda and I are proud to make the first gift to this new game-changing initiative. I ask that you consider joining us in supporting the Competitive Excellence Fund. Together, we can all be a part of the next Spartan championship.
Multi-Sport Arena – Michigan State is currently in the planning stages of a mixed-use facility, which could include retail, a hotel and academic buildings. Plans for the project also include a new arena, which will be the future home for Spartan volleyball, gymnastics, and wrestling. These programs continue to build a loyal following throughout the community, and a new arena will only serve to stimulate more growth. Beyond MSU athletics, the arena will provide another facility to better serve the entertainment needs and demands of the community, including engaging events such as concerts and high school events.
Program/Coaching Endowments – While not a new concept, endowments allow for long-term sustainability. They help ensure the resources are in place to attract and retain top-tier coaching talent, provide comprehensive support to student-athletes, and provide for facility enhancements. The endowment created today will support the program for years to come.

This is an exciting time for college athletics. With the extensive change comes tremendous opportunity. Michigan State athletics is positioned to be a leader in our new landscape. Your generosity and support ensure that becomes a reality.

Tomorrow (Tuesday, March 11) is Give Green Day. Every athletic program has identified a priority that will propel them to the next level. This is the first opportunity to support the department as we kick off the campaign. We invite you to join us on our pursuit for excellence.

If you’d like to learn more about any of our campaign priorities or other ways you can support Michigan State athletics, please contact the Spartan Fund spartanfund@ath.msu.edu/517-432-4610.

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