Michigan State receives over $400 million donation from Greg, Dawn Williams

Michigan State announced a historic $401 million donation from boosters Greg and Dawn Williams on Friday. Made through the university’s “Uncommon Will, Far Better World” campaign, it is one of the largest donations in college athletics history.

Greg Williams, a long-term booster to Michigan State‘s NIL, is the founder and CEO of Acrisure.

“This commitment reflects our belief that we should give back to our community… and to the place we call home,” the Williams’ said, via press release. “MSU is not only the face of our community, but the health and well-being of East Lansing depend on a thriving and successful MSU. In this regard, 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 $401 million donated, $290 million will go towards Spartan Athletics as part of FOR SPARTA: The Capital Initiative for MSU Athletics. The initiative launched on Tuesday in order to ‘elevate facilities, enhance the student-athlete experience and secure Michigan State’s position as a leader in college athletics’.

“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 M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D, said via the release. “We are deeply grateful for this historic commitment, which will strengthen our academic mission and support our student-athletes in meaningful, lasting ways. Their investment in both the university and the future of Spartan Athletics reflects a bold, shared vision for excellence and innovation. This moment will have a profound impact on generations of Spartans, and we are honored by their confidence in MSU.” 

The donation will go a long way in making sure that Michigan State’s athletic department is one of the best-funded in the nation.