MSU’s Spartan Gateway District: What to know
The Spartan Gateway District was set to feature a 6,000-seat sports arena, restaurants, parking and more, but MSU officials are scaling back plans.
A couple who met on a double date as Michigan State University students in 1980 have gifted $26.25 million to the Eli Broad College of Business and the College of Social Science, the school announced this week.
“Things will continue to change in higher education and in the world our students are entering,” said Jay Craig who along with his wife Jill, made the donation. “We wanted to make a gift that allows leaders closest to the students to respond to what is emerging and use these resources where they will have the greatest impact.”
Part of the $26.25 million donation will be put toward the Eli Broad College of Business to expand hands-on learning, enhance student services and strengthen academic programs, MSU said in the release.
The donation will also give long-term support for the University’s College of Social Science by endowing the “Jay and Jill Craig Broad College Student Success Fund” and the “Jay and Jill Craig College of Social Science Student Success Fund.” The endowments will provide support for emerging priorities, programming, experiential learning opportunities, and other student experiences across both colleges, MSU said.
“The generosity of this forward-looking commitment from Jay and Jill Craig positions our colleges to continue to equip Spartans with the skills necessary for future careers, offering access to the latest experiences and programming that will be critical for jobs across the state,” MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz said in the release. “It’s a gift designed not just for today’s needs, but for tomorrow’s possibilities, ensuring that the colleges of Business and Social Science will have the resources to adapt, innovate and prepare students for whatever the future holds.”
“Not every student has the same level of opportunity or support. Helping remove barriers and open doors, especially at a place as diverse and accessible as Michigan State, is incredibly important to us,” Jill Craig, who studied psychology at MSU, said.
Jay Craig was the CEO of the motor vehicle company Meritor before retiring. Craig also was the president at GMAC Commercial. He received his undergraduate degree at MSU then attended Duke University’s Fauqua School of Business where he earned his master’s degree, according to his Linkedin profile.
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
