Joe and Julie Serra have made a $10 million commitment to FOR SPARTA, marking the largest gift the family has made to Michigan State University in East Lansing.
The gift will be used in support of Spartan football, including improvements at Spartan Stadium.
The commitment to FOR SPARTA is part of a $1 billion initiative focused on elevating facilities, enhancing the student-athlete experience, and strengthening opportunities across Michigan State Athletics.
FOR SPARTA is aligned with MSU’s $4 billion Uncommon Will, Far Better World campaign.
The commitment builds on Joe and Julie’s longstanding connection to Michigan State — Joe is chairman of Fenton-based Serra Automotive, a family business founded by his father, Albert, in 1973 that today ranks among the nation’s top 10 privately held retail automotive groups. Joe also serves on the MSU president’s Green and White Council
Julie is a Michigan State alumna and a retired kindergarten teacher who has remained active in the Flint area community. Their giving to MSU began in 1989.
“Michigan State has been an important part of our family’s life for many years, and we are grateful for the friendships, experiences and memories we’ve shared through this university,” Joe and Julie Serra said in a joint statement.
“We believe there is a tremendous opportunity ahead for Michigan State. Spartan Stadium is a special place for our family and for so many Spartans, and we’re proud to make this commitment and help invest in its future.
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 170 years. Among the world’s top 100 universities and a leading U.S. public research institution, MSU pushes the limits of discovery and innovation to advance the state of Michigan and the nation, and make a better, safer, healthier world for all.
The university provides life-changing educational opportunities through an inclusive academic community with more than 400 programs of study and is the largest producer of talent for Michigan, educating more undergraduates than any other university in the state.
“Joe and Julie’s extraordinary generosity reflects a commitment to Michigan State that extends far beyond philanthropy,” says Kevin Guskiewicz, president of MSU. “They believe deeply in this university, our student-athletes and the power of MSU to make a difference.
“I’ve seen that commitment firsthand through Joe’s leadership on our Green and White Council, where he brings his experience as a business leader to help us prepare Spartans for the future and strengthen Michigan’s economy. We are incredibly grateful for their partnership and for the many ways they continue to invest in our future.”
