By Andi Anderson
The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) at Michigan State University celebrated a successful Give Green Day on March 10. Give Green Day is MSU’s annual fundraising event that encourages alumni, supporters, and community members to contribute to programs that benefit students and academic initiatives.
This year, CANR received 281 gifts totaling nearly $45,000 for projects representing the college, AgBioResearch, and MSU Extension.
Two major Give Green Day campaigns represented CANR. The first was the CANR Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, which raised $14,625 from 75 gifts. This fund offers annual financial assistance to student organizations across CANR.
Approximately 15 student clubs receive grants each year, supporting professional development events, workshops, community engagement efforts, and valuable networking opportunities. These grants help students gain hands‑on experiences that complement their academic studies.
Ph.D. candidate Parker Hopkins shared appreciation for the support, stating, “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the donors for their direct contribution to our professional growth and academic success. Your generosity makes it possible for us to take our research outside the university and into the professional spaces where it can influence real-world forest management.”
The scholarship fund benefited from a challenge gift offered by Michigan Farm Bureau, which matched the first $5,000 donated.
Michigan Farm Bureau President Ben LaCross emphasized the value of student clubs, noting, “Michigan Farm Bureau is proud to partner with the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources in support of Give Green Day and the grants provided to student clubs.” He highlighted how these experiences help shape future agricultural leaders.
The 4‑H Learning Experience Sponsorship Fund was the second major initiative, receiving $8,250 from 51 gifts—surpassing its original $5,000 goal. A matching gift from Sandra and Noel Stuckman supported the first $3,000 donated. Contributions to this fund reduce participation costs for Michigan youth involved in various 4‑H educational experiences. Sandra Stuckman shared, “I know from personal experience –as both a former 4-H'er and 4-H professional – the difference that a 4-H experience can make in the life of a young person.”
Including a $1,000 bonus for surpassing its goal, the total raised on March 10 for the 4‑H Learning Experience Sponsorship Fund reached $9,695. Additional donations were also made to other 4‑H programs.
Together, the gifts made on Give Green Day support students, faculty, and staff within CANR, ensuring stronger programs for future Spartans. Across the entire university, MSU achieved a historic milestone, raising $6.49 million—its highest Give Green Day total ever.
These contributions help strengthen educational opportunities, youth programs, and community partnerships, creating lasting benefits for Michigan’s agricultural and natural resources sectors.
Photo Credit: student-gettyimages-poike
Categories: Michigan, Education