There is an important story behind each of the 2,112 donors who contributed more than $100 million to the Michigan State University College of Engineering between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, a record-setting figure among MSU’s academic units.
The donors include current and retired MSU faculty and staff, MSU alumni and friends from 44 states and six countries. Among them are 257 first-time donors, 153 corporations, foundations and organizations, 22 donors who have given for 30 consecutive years and Ceo Bauer, a 1949 civil engineering graduate, who marked his 75th consecutive year of giving.
The college received the largest gift to an academic unit in MSU’s history as well as several leadership gifts, all designed to accelerate the Leinweber Center for Engineering and Digital Innovation, a state-of-the-art hub scheduled for completion in 2028 that will unite digital learning, advanced research, entrepreneurship and industry.
This record-breaking year for Spartan Engineering is part of MSU’s Uncommon Will, Far Better World comprehensive campaign, which is driven by a community focused on student success, academic excellence, transformational research and a campus of the future.
“The secret to Spartan Engineering success is our growing community of extraordinary supporters,” said John Papapolymerou, dean of the College of Engineering. “Whether a gift is directed to student success or academic programming, faculty positions or research endeavors, new buildings or improved facilities and equipment, each one is significant. We are truly humbled by the incredible support and so grateful for the shared belief in where we’re headed.”
Read more about some of the donors and gifts that shaped this record-setting year:
- Ceo Bauer: Spartan. Centenarian. And so much more.
- Leinweber Foundation commits $50M to MSU to name the Leinweber Center for Engineering and Digital Innovation
- Spalding family gift fuels cross-collaborative innovation
- Lamach gift launches MSU’s next frontier in innovation
“This year had it all,” said Mike Wallace, senior director of Development and Alumni Relations for the college. “Our job is to help every donor connect their giving with a purpose that is meaningful to them. Every conversation is a reminder of the impact our Spartan Engineering community makes and the promising future we share.”
MSU College of Engineering Media and Public Relations page