Historic Investment: Greg and Dawn Williams make $401 million commitment to Michigan State University and MSU Athletics

On Friday, Michigan State University announced a historic $401 million commitment from Greg and Dawn Williams. The commitment is made through the university's "Uncommon Will, Far Better World" campaign and in support of MSU Athletics' FOR SPARTA initiative. It is not only the largest single commitment in the history of MSU, but also is one of the largest single amounts in college athletics history.

Michigan State had a press conference on Friday morning to unveil the investment from the Williams family.

Greg Williams is the co-founder, chairman and CEO of Acrisure, an insurance and business solutions company headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Of the total commitment, $290 million will be used in support of Spartan Athletics as part of FOR SPARTA: The Capital Initiative for MSU Athletics, which was announced earlier this week. According to MSU's press release, "This gift will accelerate MSU's ability to compete nationally and build a sustainable foundation for long-term success, while putting college athletics on notice that Michigan State has the resources to be an industry leader." 

Additionally, the Williams family is investing $100 million in an entity to be formed by the affiliated organization Spartan Ventures.

"The investment reflects a determination to see Spartan Athletics lead in an era of unprecedented change across college athletics," the MSU press release reads. "Spartan Ventures will serve as the revenue, innovation and development arm of MSU Athletics — creating new revenue streams, expanding strategic partnerships, enhancing student-athlete opportunities and driving long-term financial strength. This investment enables MSU to modernize and scale its approach to athletics program funding, ensuring that Spartan student-athletes have the resources, opportunities and competitive advantages they need in a rapidly evolving environment."

Greg and Dawn are also providing a gift of $11 million that will be directed toward academic and extracurricular initiatives. This includes the MSU Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the Risk Management and Financial Insurance Program in the Eli Broad College of Business, the Spartan Marching Band and Pep Bands, and the Sparty Mascot Program. 

MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D, expressed his gratitude for the Williams' investment, and explained how it will shape MSU moving forward.

"The commitment that Greg and Dawn are making represents an extraordinary act of generosity and belief in Michigan State University's future," Guskiewicz said. "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." 

Greg and Dawn Williams explained why they decided to make the historic commitment to Michigan State, and discussed the deep sense of pride they have for MSU and the East Lansing community.

"This commitment reflects our belief that we should give back to our community … and to the place we call home. 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."  

Michigan State Vice President and Director of Athletics J Batt also shared his appreciation for the donation and what it means for the future of MSU Athletics.

"In today's evolving college athletics landscape, this is a monumental day in the history of Michigan State Athletics," Batt said. "Greg and Dawn's commitment will provide the resources required for new levels of competitive excellence and student-athlete opportunities, while charting a new path for the Spartan Athletics enterprise. We're eternally grateful for their incredible generosity, dynamic leadership and trust. Their support and partnership of our shared vision of success will inspire others and drive MSU Athletics to reach its goal of being a Top 10 athletics department once again." 

The Williams family has a history of philanthropy when it comes to Michigan State University and Spartan Athletics. In addition to this new $401 million commitment, they have previously donated over $25 million toward other MSU initiatives. They are also inaugural co-chairs of MSU's $4 billion "Uncommon Will, Far Better World" campaign.

Michigan State Vice President for Advancement Kim Tobin discussed how the commitment from the Williams family will galvanize educational efforts at MSU, in addition to athletics. 

"Greg and Dawn haven't just made the largest gift in our history, they've set a new standard for what it means to lead with purpose," Tobin said. "Their generosity is rooted in vision, community and a deep belief in the transformative power of education. Their leadership has galvanized our campaign, inspired others to dream bigger and created a legacy that will shape MSU for generations to come." 

Michigan State head men's basketball coach Tom Izzo spoke at the press conference on Friday, and described the strong relationship he has with Greg and Dawn Williams. Greg discussed his admiration for Izzo as well.

Izzo explained that it is hard to put into words exactly what this commitment means for Michigan State, but illustrated how grateful he was for their generosity, and discussed what this gift means for the university and the athletics department for many years moving forward.

"Words cannot express my gratitude for Dawn and Greg," Izzo said in a statement. "They are truly difference makers whose support will benefit Spartans competing at elite levels for years and years to come. I talk to my players all the time about leaving their mark in history. With their commitment, Dawn and Greg are leaving a legacy that is truly unmatched. It's hard for me to comprehend the magnitude of their generosity, but I'm not surprised. Their love and affection for Michigan State run deep, and when they see something they believe in, they jump all-in.  

"Lupe and I are incredibly grateful for what Dawn and Greg are doing, and will continue to do, for Michigan State. We are lucky to call them great friends, and we are in awe of the way they inspire others. If Spartans follow their lead, each in their own way, there's no stopping our university and our athletic department." 

The Williamses have a history of philanthropic giving that goes far beyond Michigan State. They have made a large impact on West Michigan and national civic life. Greg Williams played a crucial role in Acrisure's $30 million pledge to name and anchor the Acrisure Amphitheater, a 12,000-seat venue on the Grand Rapids riverfront. Additionally, Acrisure has donated $15 million for the Acrisure Center for Innovation in Children's Health at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital and $7.5 million for the Heart Institute at the UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.