Investments in our Students
John and Martha Aldinger Endowed Scholarship Fund: John Aldinger, class of 1934, established this endowment in 1996 because some of his happiest years were spent at MSU. He hopes to encourage students who have demonstrated the motivation and capacity to achieve their educational and professional goals and the initiative to seek opportunities to further their progress.
Late Luciano J. and Consuelo B. Argel Endowed Scholarship Fund: Siblings Eric M. Argel (BA ‘01 Telecommunication) and Aimee L. Argel (BS ‘95 Interdisciplinary Studies) established this scholarship in honor of their parents who instilled in them the value of an education for finding a productive and meaningful career path and profession. The award rotates between ComArtSci and the College of Social Science and supports seniors from Southeastern Michigan studying Interdisciplinary Studies or Informational Technology.
Dr. David and Patricia Nix "Miss MSU" Barron Endowed Scholarship in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences: In honor of MSU alumna Patricia Nix Barron's outstanding campus activities while at the university, this scholarship recognizes exceptional students in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences. Applicants are selected on the basis of academic merit, leadership, and achievements in the field of communication.
Charlie Bogart Family Endowed Scholarship Fund: For Charlie Bogart scholarships and grants were instrumental in his attending MSU and completing college. This scholarship provides financial support for students with similar upbringing and ambition.
Cassandra L. Book Internship Scholarship Award: Ms. Book hopes her internship award will improve recipients' access to challenging jobs that build upon educational preparation. Awards are for students who are participating in a qualified internship, either for credit or to help them further their degree experiences.
Terry Braverman Excellence in Sports Broadcasting Scholarship: Terry Braverman (B ’60 Television and Radio) enjoyed a distinguished professional career of 50-plus years in sports broadcasting for both public and commercial radio and television stations from Michigan to Hawaii. His 38 years at MSU included hosting countless radio and television coaches’ shows, co-hosting a weekly live sports news and interview show on WKAR-TV, as well as daily radio newscasts of varsity athletic news and play-by-play announcer for MSU men’s varsity basketball, hockey and football, including several NCAA national championship games. Created by his family, this scholarship supports students in pursuit of degrees that will enhance their chance for future success
Glenn and Thelma Buell College of Communication Arts and Sciences Endowed Memorial Scholarship: This award encourages students who have demonstrated the motivation and capability to achieve their educational and professional goals and the initiative to seek opportunities to further their progress.
Jill C. Byron Endowed Scholarship: The Jill C. Byron (BS ’68 Economics, MA ’74 Communication) Endowed Scholarship honors memories of her time at MSU. Byron was a pioneer as a woman in the field of corporate communication.
Cleary-Weiler Internship Award: The Cleary-Weiler Internship Award has been established by Kendra Cleary and Timothy Weiler in honor of their parents who made many sacrifices to put their children through college. With this award, Kendra and Tim intend to help MSU students realize their professional and personal goals by enabling students to accept internships in major cities and other areas where high living costs would otherwise prevent them from pursuing these opportunities.
Edward E. and Sarah C. Cohen Endowed Scholarships: Ed Cohen (BA ’76 Telecommunication, PHD ’88 Mass Media) places great value on his MSU education and the career opportunities it offered. The Cohens are honored to be able to give back to MSU and assist future Ph.D. candidates and students in Media and Information Studies. Cohen Scholars are selected based on academic achievement, research potential, and the recommendation
College of Communication Arts and Sciences Endowed Scholarship: This scholarship is to benefit worthy and capable students enrolled at Michigan State University in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences. It is awarded based on financial need and academic standing.
Diana Thornhill-Copp and David A. Copp Endowed College of Communication Arts & Sciences Scholarship: Diana Thornhill-Copp (BA '83 Telecommunication) and her husband, David Copp (BA '79, Lyman Briggs and MBA '81 Finance) created the scholarship to encourage students who have demonstrated the capacity to achieve educational and professional goals, the motivation to achieve these goals and the initiative to seek opportunities to further their progress. Preference is given to students who are majoring in Communications and Leadership Strategy.
Roberta Jeffers Dailey Endowed Scholarship: Roberta Jeffers Dailey married her college sweetheart after her graduation at MSU. She proudly honored her husband after he died in 2000 by establishing a scholarship in the construction management program at MSU and now looks forward to providing the College of Communication Arts and Sciences students with a helping hand.
R. Matt Davis Communication Excellence Fund: R. Matt Davis (BA ‘86 Journalism), President of Driftwood Leadership, LLC, previously served as president of Dow North America and senior vice president of Corporate Affairs for Dow. Matt had a long career as a communications, public affairs and PR professional. He created this endowment as a way to honor the solid education provided in the college and to reward progress and achievement while providing the necessary resources to enable the college to remain at the top of the field.
Nancy Seidman Dempsey Memorial: The West Michigan Telecasters, Inc. created this scholarship in honor of Nancy Seidman Dempsey (MA ’70 Television and Radio) to support graduate students pursuing a television career.
Jeff and Beth Docking Scholarship Fund: Jeff (BA ’83 Telecommunication) also holds a Masters of Divinity from Garrett Seminary in Evanston, Illinois and a Ph.D. in Social Ethics from Boston University. He began his work as the 17th President of Adrian College in Adrian, Michigan in 2005 and transformed the college by, in ten years, doubling its enrollment and tripling its budget. Jeff and his wife, Beth, created this scholarship to help students achieve their goals.
Epker Family Sales Scholarship: Bradley Epker (BA ‘86 Advertising) has spent his career in sales, primarily at start-up technology companies. Since an emphasis or minor in sales was not available when Brad attended MSU, he created this scholarship as a way to give back to his alma mater and support a student with similar career aspirations in sales.
Jeff Genthner Internship Fund: Jeff Genthner (BA 1980 Telecommunication) transferred to MSU in his sophomore year and will readily admit his three years at MSU gave him the necessary tools and set career path “compass points” that enabled him to have a successful career in the business of sports media. One of his more defining experiences was a summer internship after his junior year with a start-up cable television company afforded Jeff the opportunity to gain real-world experience while demonstrating his own abilities and determined work ethic. Jeff subsequently went on to work for numerous professional team owners, Anheuser Busch Sports Marketing, The Washington Post Company and played a pivotal role in launching and managing regional sports networks in New York, Chicago, St. Louis, Michigan and Florida, then progressing into senior leadership with FOX Sports where he manages the company’s largest cluster of regional sports networks covering the southeast. Throughout his career he has stayed true to MSU and his Spartan roots as a frequent speaker and mentor. This endowment is his way of supporting the college and benefiting the program preparing tomorrow’s communication professionals with valuable internship experiences.
Barbara Greiner Glass Scholarship in Communication Arts and Sciences: Barbara Grenier Glass (BA '79 Communication) and her husband, John Glass established this scholarship because charitable giving has always been a primary goal for their family. The goal of this gift is to help other First Generation College students, who are residents of Michigan, and who are enrolled at Michigan State in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences.
Susan B. Goldberg Journalism Internship Award: Susan Goldberg believes in the power of internships. She believes her career success began when she was hired directly from an internship into a permanent, full-time job as a reporter. To provide a similar opportunity to students, the Susan B. Goldberg Journalism Internship Award was established to support journalism majors participating in qualified internships, either for credit or to help them further their degree experiences.
John D. Gruner Internship Award: John Gruner became interested in journalism while attending high school in suburban Detroit and for a time was a co-editor of the school paper. With that experience and with encouragement from teachers and staff, he decided to pursue a career in the field and enrolled at Michigan State, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1974. While on campus, he did freelance work for and was a copyeditor at the State News. The combination of excellent classes and work experience helped land him one of 45 copyediting internships nationwide through the Dow Jones Newspaper Fund. He spent the summer of 1974 at the Detroit Free Press, an experience that launched his professional career. This endowment is intended to help those who otherwise might not have the same career-launching opportunity that John had.
Heisler Family Scholarship Fund: Alumna Amy L. Heisler (BA ’93 Communication) endows this fund in honor of her family’s long connection with MSU. This scholarship gives students with good academic standing the opportunity to achieve their academic goals and graduate as proud
Michael and Sandra Irvine Endowed College of Communication Arts and Sciences Scholarship: Alumni Michael Irvine (B ’67 Advertising, MA ’69 Advertising) and his wife, Sandi, established this endowment to help deserving students receive the quality college education they both feel contributed to their success in business. Michael retired from ABC-TV, a division of the Walt Disney Company, in 2014 after 40 years in sales and sales management for the company. It is their hope that these funds help future students contribute to the business community as alumni of MSU.
William R. Jenkins: William Jenkins created this endowment in memory of his father, Thurston S. Jenkins who had the ambition, courage and vision to step out into a larger world and be successful. This scholarship encourages creative, ambitious and directed students to avail themselves of opportunities not otherwise easily accessible by committing themselves to focus on the future and achieve their dreams through personal dedication and just plain hard work.
Adrienne M. Johns Communication Arts and Sciences Fellowship Award: Adrienne Johns (BA ’70 Communication) has spent the majority of her career in major corporations. She believes that an inclination to learn, a solid education and the widest variety of work and life experiences are the building blocks for life success. Research and scholarship are the foundation of great universities and this fellowship supports graduate students who advance knowledge in the communication fields academically and professionally.
Adrienne M. Johns Communication Arts and Sciences Internship Award: While at MSU, Adrienne Johns (BA ’70 Communication) became invested in the way individuals, small groups and large organizations handle change, work in teams, evaluate and assess talent, and how they lead others successfully across companies and cultures in good times and bad. She sees the need to have an advantage in the job market and views work experience as one advantage she can help with through this scholarship program. She intends that this scholarship will help students with domestic or international internships reap the benefits from these experiences without suffering undo financial hardship.
Chuck L. Kaplan Fellowship in Communication Arts and Sciences: The Chuck L. Kaplan Spirit Award honors Chuck Kaplan, a 1986 alumnus, who was tragically killed soon after graduating. It is intended to encourage students within the College of Communication Arts and Sciences who demonstrate the capacity to achieve worthy goals, the motivation to achieve these goals, and initiative to seek opportunities to further their dreams for the future.
“Key” Spartan Scholarship Challenge: April M. Clobes (BA ’94 Marketing MA ’00 Advertising) and Glen F. Brough believe that a great education has been a key to their success. Along with education, friends and family are also the “key” to success in your career and personal life. Their continued involvement at MSU has made a significant difference to their lives. They created this scholarship to support underclassman with financial needs as they pursue an education.
Cathy W. Kiernan Scholarship in the College of Communication Arts & Sciences: Cathy Kiernan (BA ’76 Journalism) spent her career at Delta Dental, and held several management positions. She put herself through college, and was fortunate to receive assistance from the generosity of others in the form of scholarships. She is now in a position where she can return the favor and offer a scholarship to deserving students from a new generation.
David L. Kragt Memorial Scholarship Fund in Communication Arts and Sciences: Cynthia A. Kragt, a dual-degree alum with her BA and MA in Audiology and Speech Sciences, created this endowment in memory of her husband to provide for academic financial support to deserving students.
Hideya and Lillian Kumata College of Communication Arts and Sciences Memorial Fellowship: The Hideya and Lillian Kumata Fellowship honors Professor Hideya Kumata, a member of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences faculty from 1956 until his death in 1973. A specialist in propaganda and cross-national communication, Kumata successfully integrated rigorous scholarship with an equal commitment to teaching. The Kumata Fellowship assists the college in recruiting talented students for advanced study with an interest in studying the international aspects of their profession.
Kunch Family Spartan Scholarship Challenge: All students who are entering their freshman or sophomore year at MSU and who are eligible to participate in federal need-based financial aid programs will be considered for Scholarships. Initial Scholarship awards may be made only to such students. Selection criteria for Scholarship recipients will emphasize academic credentials and promise. Preference is for a student from Southeastern Michigan who will enroll in the College of Communication Arts & Sciences.
Lamonte Field Experience: Supports the Field Experience Program within the College of Communication Arts & Sciences.
Lasher Family Scholarship: Siblings Anne Marie (BA ’86 Telecommunication) and Geralyn (BA ’90 Advertising) Lasher established this scholarship in appreciation of the values of hard work, education and service instilled in them by their parents Jack and Virginia Lasher. Over their careers both sisters have maintained close ties with the Lansing community, MSU, and especially ComArtSci. This scholarship is another way to build that connection and support first-generation college students from Michigan or California from public high schools who are also fulfilling their career aspirations.
Richard and Susan Liblong Endowed Scholarship in Communication Arts and Sciences: Rick (BA ’70 Television and Radio) and Sue Liblong established this scholarship for upper classmen so students who are academically qualified, but lack the funds, can know the lifelong special meaning of an education from MSU.
Robert C. & Catherine H. McClure Scholarship Fund: Roberta Sue McClure Sawyer (B ’52 Psychology and Speech) established a scholarship in the names of her parents to give opportunity to talented and motivated students to pursue their education. Roberta intended to encourage academically talented students to come to MSU, assured they will receive a superior education, as their energy helps all students reach their fullest potential.
The Matt McConnell Scholarship in Sports Media: Matt McConnell (BA ’85 Telecommunication) and his wife, Jennifer, believe it important to give back to those who may not always be afforded a clear path towards success and achievement. Matt, who was a National Hockey League television broadcaster, was fortunate to have parents who could afford his college tuition. Jennifer wasn’t quite as fortunate, burdened with the pressures of student debt. Their scholarship aims to help sports journalism students to achieve their academic goals with as few distractions as possible.
Richard D. McLellan Graduate Fellowship Fund: Mr. McLellan (BA '64 Advertising) is a respected attorney, constitutional scholar, and lobbyist who has contributed to civil political discourse at state, national, and international levels. He has also served as a member of the Quello Center advisory board for many years. He created this Fellowship to promote graduate student research on freedom of expression, such as, the legal and social implications of digital media, the effects of digital technology, and the role and impact of social media in shaping individuals’ knowledge and attitudes.
Sheldon and Neva Ackerman Moyer Endowed Scholarship: Sheldon Moyer (B ’43 Economics) played a key role in taking The State News from a three-day-a-week to a five-day-a-week publishing schedule with wire service coverage. When he left to serve in World War II, Neva Ackerman (B ’44 Journalism) took over as managing editor of the campus paper and, after graduating, she worked for the Associated Press. She was inducted into The State News Alumni Association Hall of Fame in 2008. Sheldon had an extensive editorial and advertising career, becoming president of Leo Burnett Co. of Michigan and its predecessor firm, D.P. Brother & Co. This scholarship recognizes the importance of their education at MSU.
George A. and Dorothy H. Murray Scholarship in Communication Arts and Sciences: This scholarship honors the parents of advertising graduate Craig Murray (BA ’76 Advertising) who both attended Detroit Public Schools during the Depression. In appreciation of their commitment and sacrifice in financing their son’s MSU career, this endowment provides deserving Detroit students with a means to realize a college education in the field of communication.
Donald and Annette Neal Scholarship: Alumna Diane Neal (BS ’79 Retailing) hopes the scholarships generated by this endowment will allow others with big aspirations, yet limited resources, to secure an MSU education.
Diane Neal Student Excellence: Alumna Diane Neal (BS ’79 Retailing) established this award to provide financial support to students in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences. Her goal is to provide financial assistance necessary to prepare tomorrow’s global communicators with rich learning opportunities through internships and study abroad programs.
Nehls-Frumkin Family Internship Scholarship: Mary Nehls-Frumkin (BA ’75 Advertising, MA ’78 Communication) and her husband, Jeff Frumkin (BA ’72 Social Science, MA ’74 Education, PHD ’83 Education) created their scholarship to support internships for students graduating from Detroit high schools.
Marshall D. and Lee. K. Newell Endowed Scholarship in Communication Arts and Sciences: It is Marshall (B ’66 Television and Radio) and Lee Newell’s wish that this scholarship benefit students who might not be able to attend MSU without financial assistance. The Newell’s also hope that recipients of this award be “honor-bound” and give back to MSU and the College of Communication Arts and Sciences later in life, at whatever financial level they feel appropriate, so other students may follow in their footsteps.
Brian P. O'Connor ComArtSci Endowed Scholarship Fund: Brian O’Connor (B.A. Telecommunication, ’91) established this endowed scholarship fund to support the scholarly endeavors and internship experiences of students pursuing a career in communications and/or public relations. O’Connor served on the board of directors for the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Los Angeles Chapter for five years elevating to leadership roles including Vice President (2010) and President (2011). His internship experiences, facilitated by MSU, paved the way for him to launch a successful career in hospitality brand marketing, communications and public relations in Los Angeles working for brands including Hilton, Disney, Cunard, and Princess Cruises.
Joe Patrick Communication Arts and Sciences Internship Award: Joe Patrick (BA ’91 Telecommunications) is a graduate of MSU who enjoyed his time at the university and, in addition to classroom work, recognizes the value of real work experience through internships. This internship award supports students who need aid while working in an unpaid or nominally paid internship and is intended for those with internships beyond the East Lansing area.
Robert and Dorothy Pearson Endowed Internship Scholarship: Bob (B ’66 Television and Radio) and Dotti Pearson both have a strong attachment to MSU and believe in giving back. Scholarship recipients must be upperclassmen or graduate students and must participate in a qualified internship, either for credit or to help them further their degree experiences.
Jeffrey C. Rachor College of Communication Arts & Sciences Sales Internship Endowed Scholarship: Jeffrey C. Rachor (BA ’83 Communication) is a 30-year veteran of the automotive business, recognized as an industry leader. His career began at MSU under sponsorship by General Motors through its college cooperative program. This endowment was created to support CAS students who are also minoring in Sales Leadership, ideally while pursuing a career in the automotive industry.
David Ralph Scholarship in Communication Arts and Sciences: Alumnus Kraig Kitchin established this endowment in honor of David Ralph. For 20 years, Professor Ralph was a teacher and administrator in the undergraduate program in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences. He also authored a widely used public speaking textbook.
Roy C. and H. Kristene Rautio Endowment Scholarship for the College of Communication Arts and Sciences: Roy (B ’67 Advertising) and Kristene Rautio strongly believe in the value of a good education from a major university. It is with this in mind that they established an endowed scholarship fund to help support students from Michigan who are enrolled in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences. They feel there is no finer legacy than helping to enhance the opportunities for higher education for those who are qualified and will benefit from this gift.
Roy C. and H. Kristene Rautio Spartan Scholarship Challenge: Roy (B ’67 Advertising) and Kriss Rautio value the education they received at MSU, where they met in 1966. Roy spent his career in advertising and publishing. Kriss worked in banking in senior management. They created this endowment to support a quality education for deserving students from Michigan.
Dusty Rhodes Scholarship: Born and raised in Flint, Michigan, ComArtSci alumnus Dusty Rhodes (B ’50 Speech and Theater) achieved a successful career in radio broadcasting and later went on to work in newspaper publishing and international TV news. In appreciation of the GI Bill, this scholarship created by the Rhodes family is awarded Michigan high school graduates, with preference given to those from Flint who wish to pursue a career in radio, newspaper or TV news.
Michael and Julianne Riha Internship Scholarship: MSU alums Michael (BA ’72 Journalism) and Julianne Riha know firsthand how an internship can open the door to a purposeful career. Both have mentored interns and intend this scholarship to benefit journalism majors participating in qualified internships, either for credit or to help them further their degree experiences.
The Michael B. Salwen and Okhee Lee-Salwen Endowed Scholarship in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences: Michael B. Salwen (PHD ’85 Mass Media) and Okhee Lee-Salwen (PHD ’89 Educational Psychology) completed their doctoral degrees at MSU and were married on campus in 1989. This scholarship was established to honor Michael, who died from cancer in 2007. The scholarship is intended for students who need financial support, as Michael and Okhee were poor when they were doctoral students at MSU.
Schultz Family Scholarship: Lorna Schultz (BA ‘76 Advertising) and Gary Schultz (BA ‘75 Personnel Administration, MBA ‘79) created the Schultz Family Scholarship to help students in the College of Communications. Both Lorna and Gary found the knowledge, skills and relationships they developed at Michigan State helped them in their careers and want to provide current students those same opportunities and help reduce their financial commitment. It is intended to help motivated, in-state Communications and Public Relations majors to achieve their goals.
Smitter-Wright Internship Scholarship: Anne Smitter (BA ’83 Communication) knows the value of experiential learning as she had three different internships during her education at MSU. She was encouraged by the Dean of the College to seek employment in Colorado, far from her hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan, where new technologies were being used. This endowment provides internship support to students from Michigan.
Sandi Smith Spartan Scholarship Challenge Endowed Scholarships: Sandi Smith, Ph.D. and her late husband Charles Kenward Atkin, Ph.D. both served as faculty in the college and were recognized as University Distinguished Professors. Sandi and Chuck were mentors and advisors to graduate students and believed that the future of the department’s strong influence lies in the strength of its doctoral program. Through this endowment, Sandi wishes to support the continued success and achievement of the Department through the development of doctoral graduate students.
The Stone and Chapman Family Endowed Fund: Laurence B. Stone (BA ’64 Television and Radio, MA ’68 Curriculum) and Linda Chapman Stone (BA ’65 Speech and Theater) established this scholarship in gratitude to MSU for providing them with an excellent education, lifetime friends and the chance to meet each other.
Vija Udenans Inspiration ComArtSci Career Services Endowment: Upon graduation from MSU, Vija Udenans (BA ‘74 Television and Radio) pursued a career at NBS News and continued her career in Washington, D.C., as the producer for the ABC White House unit, traveling the world with President Bill Clinton and President George W. Bush. This scholarship is for students who participate in a qualified internship, either for credit or to help them further their degree experiences, with preference for students whose internships are in metro Washington, D.C.
John G. Walsh Scholarship: By establishing the John G. Walsh Scholarship fund, Walsh’s family and his wide circle of friends are honoring the MSU alum’s leadership in the journalism and communication field. Walsh (BA ’75 Television and Radio) was a respected leader in the news industry.
Scott S. Weiss Family Endowment: Scott Weiss (BA ’81 Advertising) leveraged his experience at The State News to get a position at a prominent PR agency in Atlanta. Two years later, Scott was recruited by Turner Broadcasting Systems to be a vice president of the northeast region in its cable sales division. After 10 years Scott left his position at Turner to work for the founder of Speakeasy, and eventually bought the company. Scott encourages students to focus on their communication effectiveness, as his company helps businesses do. His endowment helps students achieve their goals in education supplemented by internships.
Bradley H. and Joan R. Wire Endowed Scholarship Fund: Bradley (B ’67 Advertising) and Joan Wire (BS ’68 Child Development & Teaching, MA ’75 Classroom Teaching) established this scholarship to provide financial assistance to qualified students from Barry, Allegan, Kent or Kalamazoo counties. The Wires share a strong belief in education and the opportunities available from attending MSU.
Investments in our Faculty and Programs
Merri Jo Bales Fund for Strategic Communication: Merri Jo Bales (BA ’77 Communication) had a successful career as a communication professional, strategist and leader. After spearheading Michigan’s Sesquicentennial celebration, she embarked on a 27-year career with Consumers Energy, transforming its strategy. Her husband, Randy Sahajdack (BA ’78 Hotel & Restaurant Management), was a successful restaurant executive and culinary instructor. Recognizing power in the combination of strategy and communication, Randy and Merri Jo support the online Strategic Communication Master of Arts program. They hope students can extract substantial benefit from this program to use their networks, knowledge and experiences to improve their companies, families, organizations or communities.
Ellis N. Brandt Chair in Public Relations: This endowment supports a professorship in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences in the field of public relations in honor and recognition of Ellis “Ned” Brandt’s (BA ’43 Journalism) career as a pioneer in the field of public relations.
Ned Brandt Faculty Excellence Fund: Ellis “Ned” Brandt (BA ’43 Journalism) grew up in the Detroit area and was drawn to journalism early on covering athletic events for the Plymouth High School newspaper. At MSU he wrote for the campus radio stations and was editor of The Michigan State News. Ned started his career with the U.S. Army, worked for a few years in France, and served four years as press attaché for the U.S. Embassy in Paris to promote the Marshall Plan. He joined the public relations staff of The Dow Chemical Co. in 1953, becoming director of public relations in 1965, director of business communications in 1970 and senior counselor of public affairs in 1978. He became company historian in 1983 before retiring in 1986. He established the Post Street Archives to preserve historical documents and he documented Dow Chemical history through an oral history program. Ned died in 2018 at the age of 95. Through his estate he left a gift to the College of Communication Arts and Sciences to continue his legacy through a series of endowed professorships in all facets of communication.
Bunting Enrichment Fund: Clark (BA ’77 Advertising & MA ’84 Communication) and Karen (BA ’78 Accounting) Bunting have used their degrees well. Clark is a co-founder of Discovery Channel's Shark Week. The Bunting Enrichment Fund reciprocates the donors’ strong ties to MSU and fond memories of their formative years together in college. The funds from their endowment are used for college purposes at the discretion of the dean.
Richard C. Bush and Patty Mcguigan Endowment: Growing up in East Lansing and graduating from MSU, Richard Bush (BS ’70 Packaging) has maintained his love of the beauty of the campus. It is his and his wife’s desire to integrate art, plants and physical structures into communal spaces for students to gather. This endowment ensures that the technological and physical environment needs are maintained and improved in areas of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences Building.
College of Communication Arts and Sciences Alumni Board Endowment: The College of Communication Arts and Sciences Alumni Board believes that building a loyal network of CAS alumni is a pivotal goal. To increase alumni commitment to the college, this endowment will fund the recognition of outstanding faculty within the college, provide programmatic support for alumni engagement and scholarship, and give fellowship support for students within the college.
CAS Dean’s Strategic Initiatives Fund: This fund is built with gifts from numerous donors and alumni to support programs, research, fellowships, scholarships, technology and other current or future initiatives in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences.
Coyote Logistics Student Enrichment Fund in the Sales Specialization Program: Jeff and Marianne Silver (Honorary Alumni of 2012) created this fund to support the Sales Specialization Program in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences.
Edward Deeb Technology Endowment: This endowment honors Ed Deeb’s (B ’60 Advertising) work as co-founder and first president of the Communication Arts and Sciences Alumni Association. It is used at the discretion of the Dean of the College to refurbish and update technology in the lobby and the Deeb Conference Room, Room 191, of the Communication Arts and Sciences Building.
Faculty and Doctoral Student Research Fund: Professor Thorson, a member of the ComArtSci faculty and leadership team since 2016, holds a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Minnesota and attended undergraduate school at Macalester College. Thorson is a Fellow of the International Communication Association and the American Academy of Advertising. Dr. Thorson has seen first-hand the need for increased graduate student support and created this fund as one way to support graduate students’ and faculty research projects.
Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan Student Enrichment Fund in the Sales Communication Program: This fund provides support for the Sales Communication Program in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences. It provides resources for student enrichment opportunities, qualified research and programmatic needs.
Dr. Kathy Foltner Endowed Chair: Dr. Kathy Foltner (MA ‘76 Audiology and Speech Sciences) served both the hearing impaired and the audiology community for over 40 years. She authored nearly 100 professional articles, and was a frequent presenter at local, state and national meetings. Dr. Foltner was among the first to start, manage, grow and sell one of the top audiology private practices in the country. Later she worked as an executive for several large hearing care companies. She was awarded a scholarship while attending MSU, which allowed her to begin her career debt free. She created this endowment to support MSU’s ability to attract and educate the best students to focus on academics and to enter their chosen fields with minimal debt.
Dorsey and Karl Gude Fund for Creativity and Collaboration: Dorsey and Karl came to Michigan State University from New York City in 2006. Karl previously spent 25 years at United Press International, Associated Press and as the Director of Information Graphics at Newsweek Magazine MSU recruited Karl to bring his experience at visual storytelling to journalism students. Dorsey became Director of Development and Communications for the East Lansing Educational Foundation, a position she held for seven years before joining the MSU team as a Regional Planned Giving Advisor in 2014. Dorsey and Karl understand that unrestricted funds are of most need and wish to support real world experiences for students that encourage collaborative and creative ways of telling stories or solving problems.
Media Arts Collaboration Fund: Alumni Sara (B ’62 English) and David (PHD ’63 Chemistry – Teaching) Taft attended the Traverse City Film Festival, witnessing the benefits of experiential learning and student opportunities through the Theater-2-Film collaborative project with the Media Sandbox, the Department of Theater in the College of Arts and Letters, and the College of Music. They would like the fund they established to stimulate similar projects, led by the Media Sandbox, involving collaboration with other colleges and units on campus.
Craig Murray Creative Endowment: Craig Murray (BA ’76 Advertising) established this fund at his alma mater to provoke, inspire and encourage creativity. The endowment supports refurbishing and updating the “creative incubator” and other creative spaces in the college.
Charles J. Strosacker Graduate Research Fund for Health and Risk Communication: This fund supports graduate research in health and risk communication. Graduate students will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on research, apply theoretical constructs to real-world health practice and share the results and impacts from their projects with community partners.
Edward Zabrusky Endowed Lecture: This lecture was created by Ed Zabrusky’s sisters, Dorothy and Betty, in memory of his 40 years as the MSU News Bureau Chief. The fund produces an annual lecture in the area of media or public relations in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences.
