Dec. 5, 2025

Greg and Dawn Williams Make Historic 1 Million Commitment to MSU and Spartan Athletics

By Tim Day, Matt Larson

Michigan State University today announced a historic 1 million commitment from Greg and Dawn Williams. Made through the university’s “Uncommon Will, Far Better World” campaign and in support of MSU Athletics’ FOR SPARTA initiative, this is the largest single commitment in the history of MSU and one of the largest single amounts in college athletics history. Their generosity will dramatically transform Spartan Athletics and fuel academic excellence across multiple disciplines, reinforcing MSU’s mission to empower students and serve communities across Michigan and beyond.

“The commitment that Greg and Dawn are making represents an extraordinary act of generosity and belief in Michigan State University’s future,” said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. “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.”

“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,” said Greg and Dawn Williams. “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.”

Of the total commitment, 0 million will be used in support of Spartan Athletics as part of FOR SPARTA: The Capital Initiative for MSU Athletics, which was announced on Tuesday. 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.

In addition to gifts to the university, the Williamses are investing 0 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. 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.

“In today’s evolving college athletics landscape, this is a monumental day in the history of Michigan State Athletics,” said MSU Vice President and Director of Athletics J Batt. “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 Williamses are providing resources to positively impact Spartans for generations to come. Beyond the money designated for athletics, million of the gift will be directed toward academic and extracurricular initiatives, including 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.

“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. Their generosity is rooted in vision, community and a deep belief in the transformative power of education,” said MSU Vice President for Advancement Kim Tobin. “Their leadership has galvanized our campaign, inspired others to dream bigger and created a legacy that will shape MSU for generations to come.”

“Words cannot express my gratitude for Dawn and Greg,” said MSU men’s basketball head coach Tom Izzo. “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.”

Those sentiments are echoed by two MSU deans who expressed great appreciation for the Williamses’ generous contribution to their programs.

Greg and Dawn Williams understand that entrepreneurship and risk management are not just academic disciplines, they’re engines of transformation, said Broad College of Business Dean David Souder. We appreciate their investment to empower our students to think boldly, act ethically and lead confidently in a global economy. This gift accelerates our ability to prepare Spartans who will shape industries, launch ventures and solve complex challenges with purpose.”

“Greg and Dawn’s support for the Spartan Marching Band reflects a profound belief in the power of music and its ability to engage and energize Spartan Nation in support of our long and strong tradition of athletics,” said College of Music Dean Jim Forger. “Scholarships are a meaningful way to support the talent and dedication of students who bring musical skill and vigor to the game day experience and in many other venues. We are so grateful for Greg and Dawn and the lasting impact of their generosity that will echo far beyond the field.”

The Williamses have a well-established history of philanthropy to Michigan State University and Spartan Athletics. As inaugural co-chairs of MSU’s billion “Uncommon Will, Far Better World” campaign, they have helped shape the university’s strategic direction and inspired a new era of giving. In addition to this new 1 million commitment, they already have contributed over million toward other MSU initiatives.

Beyond MSU, the Williamses have made a profound mark on West Michigan and national civic life. As co-founder, chairman and CEO of Acrisure, Greg Williams was instrumental in Acrisure’s million pledge to name and anchor the Acrisure Amphitheater, a 12,000-seat venue revitalizing the Grand Rapids riverfront. Acrisure’s donations also include million for the Acrisure Center for Innovation in Children’s Health at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital and .5 million for the Heart Institute at the UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

FOR SPARTA is the largest capital initiative in Spartan Athletics history. It is a bold, billion-dollar vision to elevate facilities, enhance the student-athlete experience and secure the department’s position as the leader in college athletics. Rooted in the spirit of unity and excellence that defines Spartans, FOR SPARTA will transform Spartan Athletics and the Michigan State community with a strategic approach in a continually evolving landscape.

The “Uncommon Will, Far Better World” campaign is MSU’s bold effort to advance student success, accelerate research and innovation, and strengthen the university’s impact across Michigan and beyond. Through strategic philanthropic investment, the campaign focuses on expanding opportunity, supporting faculty excellence and addressing the most pressing challenges of our time.

Learn more about the campaign’s priorities and how philanthropic partnerships are shaping MSU’s future.

This content originally appeared on MSUToday’s website.

Dec. 5, 2025

MSUWE Hosted Their Annual Pitch Competition Featuring Nine Ambitious Students

By: Helena Najar, Red Cedar Log; Photography by Sloane Barlow

MSU Women in Entrepreneurship’s WE Pitch Competition, November 10, 2025. Their mission is “to inspire and support women interested in entrepreneurship by fostering a collaborative, innovative, and empowering community”.On Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, Michigan State University’s Women in Entrepreneurship organization hosted their seventh annual Pitch Competition. The MSUWE Pitch Competition gives young female entrepreneurs at MSU the opportunity to compete to have their businesses funded.

“The whole purpose behind the event is to give women founders a chance to comfortably practice pitching as well as earning some early funding for their businesses,” MSUWE president Yuktha Pulavarthi said.

At this year’s competition, nine MSU students pitched their ideas to a panel of three judges, chosen by Pulavarthi, in hopes of winning either the first place prize of ,000, the second place prize of ,000 or the third place prize of 0 to put toward their businesses. The panel of judges consisted of female founders and managers who have a passion for female-owned small businesses and participated in the event to support young, enthusiastic women entrepreneurs.

“Today we have Chelsie Wyse, a founder of her own marketing company based in Grand Rapids, Christina Fair who is the founder of two companies, Reconnect as well as Hum, and then we have Anum Mughal, she works at MSU Research Foundation,” Pulavarthi said. “All of them are women. We have a few women founders and a few that are just really involved in the community, but we try to make sure that they have a wide variety of backgrounds.”

As each of the nine MSU students pitched their ideas to the panel, the judges listened and asked follow-up questions about the future of their ideas that were not addressed in the allotted five minute time slots. Judges also provided advice on how they can improve their business models moving forward in their careers.

After the pitches concluded and judges deliberated, three winners were chosen. The top prize went to third-year advertisement management student Kaleah-Aleizer Valera for LZR, an energy drink with added protein. Second place went to third-year computer engineering student Sadie Latragna’s Pipper and third place went to fourth-year computer science student Prijam Khanal with SheVinci.

Although the Pitch Competition is a major component of MSUWE, there is a wide range of other experiences that applies to any woman in business.

“We have weekly meetings on Monday nights where we might bring in guest speakers and pick their brain about their journey,” Pulavarthi said. “We also do workshops around building a business, we do marketing workshops, financial production workshops and even pitching workshops, we also just do general bonding activities to get a tighter knit women entrepreneur community at MSU.”

MSUWE is all about female empowerment and whether that is through pitching and prizes or simply having a craft night to connect with one another, it is an essential organization to this campus community.

“Women in Entrepreneurship is all about creating a space where women can connect, collaborate, and gain the confidence to bring their ideas to life,” Pulavarthi said.

This content originally appeared on the Undergraduate Education website.

Dec. 1, 2025

Steve Lang Advances Spartan Entrepreneurship Through Experiential Learning

By Katie Haley

A longtime business leader, investor, and champion of Northern Michigan entrepreneurship, Steve Lang has committed his career to building companies, supporting founders, and strengthening the ecosystems that help them grow. Through his recent gift to the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, he’s opening those same doors for the next generation of Spartans.

Throughout his career, Lang has been a builder of systems — not just businesses. He launched into a career that spanned the energy industry, HR leadership, and eventually the financial services sector. He helped found and lead Forethought Financial Services before later serving as Chair and Chief Executive of Homesteaders Life Company, one of the nation’s leading preneed funding organizations. Today, he leads Lang Consulting, serves on the boards of Homesteaders Life Company and GSTB Holdings, and plays a pivotal role with the Northern Michigan Angels, where he mentors and supports early-stage companies across the region.

Lang’s multi-year gift directly funds immersive the learning experiences for student founders, including the Institute’s recent trip to Traverse City — a four-day experience that placed students inside one of the state’s most dynamic startup hubs. For years, the Burgess Institute has taken students to Traverse City because of its uniquely diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem, which spans food and beverage, MedTech, agriculture, and even the growing space and satellite industry. This mix offers student founders exposure to a broad range of innovative sector s and Spartan-led ventures, helping them understand how different industries intersect and thrive in northern Michigan.

“I grew up in East Lansing and completed my undergraduate and graduate degrees at MSU,” said Lang. “I have always wanted to give back and my partnership with the Burgess Institute allows me to connect students with the Traverse City community and see the benefits to both the students and the community. The students bring an infectious energy to the visit.”

The itinerary developed in collaboration with MSU’s University Advancement team and northern Michigan partners. Highlights included a breakfast with Casy Cowell, co-founder and longtime CEO of U.S. Robotics, and a fireside chat with Mike and Denise Busley, co-founders of Grand Traverse Pie Company. Students also engaged with Spartan alumni and leaders shaping northern Michigan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem including, Norman Lee, VP at Atlas Space Operations, Craig Wesley, executive director at 20 Fathoms, Chris Fredrickson, co-founder of Traverse City Whiskey Co., Nikki Rothwell and Dan Young, co-founders of Tandem Ciders, Jeff Ryanbrandt, CEO of MediCool Technologies, Nate Crane, owner of Rare Bird Brewpub, Chad Munger, co-founder of Mammoth Distilling, as well members of the Northern Michigan Angels investment group.

“One of the most impactful parts of the trip was visiting beverage manufacturers and seeing firsthand how established companies operate,” Fatima Taha, co-founder of CocoMar, and clean ingredient protein drink shared. “As CocoMar moves deeper into retail and into full-scale production, observing these systems up close was invaluable. It gave me a real understanding of manufacturing workflows, quality control, and what it actually takes to bring a CPG product to market. The trip concluded with private pitch sessions to the Northern Michigan Angels, providing a safe, supportive space for students to share their ideas with experienced investors and receive valuable feedback. This inaugural showcase, held during MSU vs. U of M rivalry week, drew a packed room of entrepreneurs, alumni, and community leaders united by a shared vision for statewide innovation.

Through this investment Lang isn’t just influencing individual journeys, he’s helping build a statewide culture rooted in innovation, generosity, and collaboration. His belief in experiential learning reinforces what the Burgess Institute champions every day — that Spartans grow by stepping into real environments, tackling real challenges, and learning directly from the people driving Michigan’s entrepreneurial future.

“There are many ways to contribute to MSU. What makes my support of the Burgess Institute special is that I can actually witness the impact my funding has by personally participating in the student visits to Traverse City and watching the interaction the students have with the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the Community,” said Lang.

For many Spartans, these experiences become transformative. Students return with an understanding of how companies operate, what leadership looks like in different industries, and where their own skills and passions might take them next.

Through experiences like these, the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation continues to prepare students to think creatively, act boldly, and build what’s next. Lang’s support is creating lasting pathways for Spartans to thrive—both in Michigan and beyond.

Nov. 12, 2025

Michigan State University’s Entrepreneurship Program Ranked No. 3 in the Midwest by The Princeton Review

By Katie Haley

The Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation has once again earned national recognition by The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur.com, securing the No. 3 spot in the Midwest and No. 8 in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Europe.

This marks the eighth consecutive year that MSU has been recognized as a leader in entrepreneurship education and the first time the university has broken into the top 10 nationally. This ranking recognizes MSU’s continued leadership in fostering student innovation and preparing entrepreneurs for real-world success.

“Our entrepreneurship ecosystem isn’t confined to one college or one kind of student. Students from every discipline come together to build and push ideas forward,” said Ken Szymusiak, managing director of operations for the Burgess Institute. “That collaborative energy is what continues to set MSU apart.”

Since its founding in 2012, the Burgess Institute has served as a launchpad for Spartans eager to turn ideas into impact. Today, its ecosystem spans every college and discipline, providing experiential learning through the Minor in Entrepreneurship & Innovation and Venture Creation program that equip Spartans with the mindset, experience, and community to create meaningful change.

The Minor in Entrepreneurship & Innovation unites students from more than 150 majors to learn, collaborate and build what’s next through more than 40 courses infused with entrepreneurial thinking. Beyond the classroom, the Venture Creation program empowers 700 student entrepreneurs annually to identify opportunities, validate ideas, and develop market-ready ventures.

Paul Jaques, managing director of venture creation at the Institute, shared, “Being ranked among the nation’s top 10 highlights how MSU is shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs. This recognition celebrates the incredible work of our students every day.”

To date, more than 3,000 Spartan entrepreneurs have ventured with the Burgess Institute, launching over 2,500 startups and securing more than 5 million in follow-on funding. Nearly one in ten Burgess-supported companies remain in business a decade after launching—a true testament to the enduring impact of Spartan entrepreneurship.

“The rise in the rankings acknowledges our investment in new programs and new partnerships, and our focus on empowering the next generation of Spartan innovators,” said Laurel Ofstein, senior director of the Burgess Institute. “We are constantly evolving because our students and involved alumni keep pushing what’s possible.”

The Princeton Review rankings evaluate universities based on academic offerings, faculty engagement, student experiences, and alumni success. MSU’s rise to the top 10 reflects not only the strength of its programs, but also the entrepreneurial spirit of its students and the growing impact they’re making across Michigan and beyond.

Oct. 27, 2025

From East Lansing to Silicon Valley: Spartan Startups Are Scaling Through Y Combinator

By Katie Haley

Each year, tens of thousands of startups apply to Y Combinator. This highly selective accelerator program provides funding and mentorship to early-stage companies, including famous startups like Airbnb, Stripe, Instacart, Reddit, and more.

For founders, earning a spot in the program is a sign they’re building something with the potential to change the world. Over the past several years, a growing number of those founders have shared something powerful in common: they’re Spartans.

From AI to EdTech to productivity and entertainment, Michigan State University alums have earned their place among the world’s most promising startups. These founders represent a continuing wave of Spartan innovators bringing creativity, grit, and real-world impact across world. Among them:

Cloudant
Mike Miller (’99)
Cloudant’s distributed database-as-a-service (DBaaS) allows developers of fast-growing web and mobile apps to focus on building and improving their products, instead of worrying about scaling and managing their databases on their own.

Friday
Advait Paliwal (’24)
Friday is building the assistant that learns how to predict the action that you will take on your emails, and does it for you.

Hightouch
Josh Curl (’15)
Hightouch is the leading Composable CDP and AI Decisioning platform allowing marketing teams to activate their data warehouse to build 1:1 customer experiences with data and AI agents.

Lavo Life Sciences
Derek Metcalf (’18) and Scott Swarthout (’17)
Lavo Life Sciences runs simulations of drug molecules on computers. Pharma companies use these simulations to guide their experiments and ultimately save time and money in the lab. This will de-risk and expedite clinical trials and FDA approval.

Nasdisc
Cam Korzecke (’19)
Nasdisc is a marketplace for the billion worth of records purchased every year. The goal is to make a space for artists to easily distribute their music.

Obie
Aaron Letzseier (’12) and Ryan Letzseier (’09)
Obie has simplified real estate investment insurance for landlords, property managers, agents, and investors across the U.S. With expert-backed coverage, intuitive tools, and embedded technology, Obie delivers fast, reliable insurance solutions designed to fit how real estate professionals work today.

Observee
Rajmeet Chandok (’24)
Observee is specializing in building and deploying Vision Language Models (VLMs) and Vision Language Action Models (VLAs) for edge computing environments.

OfOne
Adam Proschek (’13)
OfOne is building software to automate order taking at fast-food drive-thrus. Using conversational AI, we help restaurant chains operate more efficiently and level-up their customer experience.

YouLearn
David Yu (’24)
YouLearn is reshaping how students learn by using AI to create personalized, adaptive learning experiences.

Though their companies differ, each founder shares a common bond as Spartans, driven by curiosity, collaboration, and bold thinking. The Burgess Institute has become a launchpad for ideas that compete at the highest level, helping Spartans develop the mindset and skill set to navigate real-world startup challenges.

The growing presence of Spartans in Y Combinator shows the strength of MSU’s entrepreneurial community. From classrooms in East Lansing to demo days in Silicon Valley, these founders prove that Spartans do not wait for opportunities. They build them.

This legacy of innovation shows that Spartan entrepreneurs are shaping the future, building companies that can make a global impact, and setting standards for the next generation of founders.

Oct. 27, 2025

Farewell to the MSU Hatch

By Katie Haley

During Venture Summit: Rivalry & Resilience, Michigan State University’s annual gathering of Spartan entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders, the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation announced the closure of the MSU Hatch at the end of this year.

For more than a decade, the MSU Hatch has been the beating heart of the entrepreneurship ecosystem at MSU. Located just off campus on Grand River Ave., the incubator space served as a launchpad for Spartan dreamers, doers, and builders, a place where ideas came alive, friendships formed, and ventures took flight.

A History of Innovation

Since opening in 2012, the MSU Hatch has embodied the spirit of Spartan entrepreneurship. What began as a concrete-floored room with IKEA furniture quickly transformed into a creative hub alive with energy and collaboration. A small group of liked minded Spartans, known as the Gumball Club, was the first unofficial student organizations for entrepreneurship. They filled white-boards with business plans, pitched ideas to mentors, and spent countless late nights turning ideas into viable startups.

The MSU Hatch was originally launched through the vision and leadership of Jeff Smith, then with the City of East Lansing, who began working closely with students to build a space where innovation could thrive. His early efforts laid the groundwork for what would alter evolve into the Hatch under Spartan Innovations.

“The Hatch has been an incredible home for students over the past 13 years, and I’ll always treasure the memories of the many amazing startups that began their journeys here,” says Paul Jaques, managing director, venture creation at the Burgess Institute. “While it’s bittersweet to see this space close, I’m excited about the new opportunities ahead as our team continues to grow and evolve.”

The MSU Hatch became a second home for Spartan founders. Each leaving a mark on the space and the community.

“The Hatch has been such a special space for students to feel safe, to collaborate, and to share their creativity and innovation. It’s become a true gathering place for people from all disciplines,” says Lori Fischer. “One of my favorite things has been watching students from completely different backgrounds and majors connect and become friends – relationships that might never have happened if they hadn’t met organically in the Hatch.”

The Future of Entrepreneurship at MSU

While the MSU Hatch may be closing, its legacy will continue through the programs, partnerships, and initiatives that have grown from its foundation. The Burgess Institute remains committed to supporting and empowering students in their entrepreneurial journey.
In the coming years, the Burgess Institute will establish its new permanent on-campus home and student co-working space in the Engineering and Digital Innovation Center (EDI Center). Until then, the Institute will temporarily relocate to the MSU Union, ensuring students have uninterrupted access to programming, mentorship, and entrepreneurial resources.

“The EDI Center will place the Burgess Institute at the heart of campus – dramatically increasing our visibility, accessibility, and engagement with students from every discipline. The student co-working space in the new building will make it easier than ever for aspiring entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate, and bring ideas to life,” says Laurel Ofstein, PhD, senior director of the Burgess Institute. “During the transition, the Burgess Institute will remain a resource for students. While we are creating our new physical location, the future of entrepreneurship and innovation at MSU remains at the forefront of the university’s strategic priorities.”

As the MSU Hatch closes its doors, its legacy endures in the student who took the risk to start something new and in the future Spartans who will continue that fearless entrepreneurial spirit forward in East Lansing and beyond.

Oct. 20, 2025

Mark and Marcia Hooper Establish Entrepreneurial Scholarship at Michigan State University

By Katie Haley

For Mark and Marcia Hooper, entrepreneurship has always been more than a career path; it’s a mindset built on integrity, hard work, and service. Now, the 1976 graduates of Eli Broad College of Business at Michigan State University are investing in the next generation of Spartan entrepreneurs through the newly established Mark and Marcia Hooper Entrepreneurial Scholarship, a ,000 annual award supporting students engaged with the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation.

The Hoopers’ Spartan journey began nearly five decades ago. What started as a shared passion for learning and discovery grew into a lifelong partnership rooted in curiosity and community. After earning their bachelor’s degrees in accounting, they launched impactful careers shaped by both professional excellence and community commitment.

Marcia began her career with General Motors before dedicating her time to supporting their growing family and serving her community–leading as a church treasurer and volunteering for several local organizations more than thirty years. She has a special passion for educational connected groups.

Mark’s career journey includes leadership roles as a partner with Ernst & Young and later as a co-founder of Andrews Hooper Pavlik PLC (AHP), a regional accounting firm with multiple offices across Michigan. Beyond his professional success, Mark has demonstrated a deep commitment to service, having served on more than 25 for-profit and nonprofit boards, chairing or presiding over ten of them. His work with AHP and as a founding member, board member and officer of Capital Community Angels solidified his belief in the importance of the entrepreneurial mindset and the transformative role it plays in Michigan’s economy.

“Life joys include discovering personal talents you did not know you had. Entrepreneurial talents cross many business endeavors and serve as a foundation for success. We hope scholarship awardees will discover and develop their talents,” they share.

For the Hoopers, this scholarship is a way to ensure that every student with an entrepreneurial spark has the chance to turn that energy into impact. It’s about cultivating the next generation of Spartans who are willing to take risks, challenge norms, and build solutions that strengthen communities across Michigan and beyond.

“Throughout my career, doors were opened to accept new responsibilities that required a wide variety of skills beyond core technical competency. It was only in hindsight that I realized that those skills were grounded in an entrepreneurial mindset,” Mark said.

The Mark and Marcia Hooper Entrepreneurial Scholarship will provide critical support for students engaged with the Burgess Institute’s programs, helping them explore innovative ideas, launch startups, and develop the mindset necessary to thrive in today’s rapidly changing world.

Their generosity embodies what drives the Institute forward: creating pathways for bold ideas to grow and ensuring entrepreneurial opportunity is within reach for every student at Michigan State University.

Inaugural Venture Summit Cements New Fall Tradition, Marks MSU Hatch’s Tenth Anniversary

Contact(s): Diego Fernandez and Aaryn Richard

On Friday, September 23rd, the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation opened its doors to the public, kicking off its inaugural two-day gathering, Venture Summit. This year’s event marked the MSU Hatch’s decade-long service to Spartan venturers. Venture Summit drew nearly 200 entrepreneurs, investors, makers, and shakers — alums and students alike — to East Lansing.

We wanted to create an event that celebrated The Hatch, showcased student success, and strengthened ties to our ecosystem, said Laurel Ofstein, the Burgess Institute’s faculty director. We also wanted to give returning alums the chance to see how we’ve grown, including spaces like the new Venture Kitchen at the MSU Union.

Spread across several venues, attendees began with the open house, where they had the chance to network and tour the MSU Hatch and the Venture Kitchen. From there, revelers headed across campus to the Minskoff Pavilion. At the Entrepreneurship Lab, attendees could speak with six student startup teams or choose to attend a four-part lineup of speakers. The celebration did not end there.

From the Minskoff Pavilion, the moveable feast headed to the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum, where entrepreneurship student scholars were honored for their achievements.

Our students are at the heart of what we do here, said Christopher Sell, the institute’s director of alumni and entrepreneur engagement. The awards ceremony opened the space for our community to celebrate both the generosity of our alumni community and our students’ hard work and successes.

MSU Hatch at the Center of MSU Entrepreneurship

Let us take a trip down Grand River Avenue and marvel at the evolution of the MSU Hatch — a space that numerous Spartan entrepreneurs have had the chance to call their home away from home.

The Hatch, as many Spartan entrepreneurs lovingly refer to it, provides a centralized startup incubator right on Grand River Avenue in the center of East Lansing. The Hatch is where students interested in starting their own companies become a part of the Burgess Institute’s Discovery and Launch programs. Once on board, students receive hands-on mentorship and financial resources to aid their ventures.

Students of any major are welcome to take advantage of the resources and services provided at the startup incubator. They have the freedom to work at their own pace and convenience. The MSU Hatch’s setting enables a social work environment, an exciting alternative to the tenants’ basement, library, coffee shop, or kitchen. The Hatch facilitates a community of like-minded student entrepreneurs by providing an attractive place for connecting, collaborating, and creating.

Around 2012, I took a position with Spartan Innovations, said managing director for venture creation, Paul Jaques. In 2012, the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Greater Lansing Area was still reforming after the Great Recession in 2008; there were few investors and fewer startups. Still, the mayor and the city of East Lansing thought a venture creation program at Michigan State would be a perfect opportunity to grow something remarkable.

This desire for an entrepreneurial ecosystem in the city of East Lansing was the spark that led to The Hatch as it is today.

There was an amazing group on campus called the ‘Gumball Club,’ says Jaques. They were a dynamic group of students who took learning about startups into their own hands. They had a vision and built the community on their own. The Gumball Club is where The Hatch started, and they are a big part of the reason why The Hatch is so popular today.

The Hatch had humble beginnings, reflects Jaques. It started as a small space with a concrete floor and not much else to it, said Jaques. Then we added furniture, knocked down a wall, doubled the size of the space, painted it, and added a couple of rooms for co-working.

Since its inception, The Hatch has gone through many iterations, bringing it into its own as a professional incubator space for student venturers.

What I remember most is the students coming in here and having a lot of fun: playing ping pong, watching shows, and talking about their inventions and ideas. There have been so many great years here at The Hatch.

Today, the MSU Hatch hosts over 200 student teams each year. These are student venturers who have applied to the Burgess Institute’s Discovery program, the first step in their journey. Once teams have completed their Discovery milestones, they are welcome to apply to the more advanced Launch program. Roughly fifty teams make it into this program annually. Once accepted, they receive greater access to tailored services, concentrated mentorship, and funding opportunities. At the end of the year, fifteen of these teams have the chance to compete in the Burgess New Venture Challenge, Michigan State’s premier pitch competition.

There is no shortage of MSU Hatch student success stories. Paul Jaques has been there from the beginning. He lights up when asked for examples.

Brett Kopf, the founder of Remind, is probably one of the most successful students who ventured through our program, said Jaques. Remind is a classroom app that connects over 30 million students, parents, and teachers. Remind has seen so much success that it has hit #1 in the app store. Amazingly, Brett’s idea received seed funding. He started the company in Silicon Valley and hired a CEO to help run Remind’s day-to-day operations. Today, Brett is working on his next venture, a fintech company called Omella.

Another success is Joe Johnson, who started VADE Nutrition. He was a wrestler here at MSU, who started his company here, and now you see his products all over the country.

By now, Jaques can barely contain himself, Brianna Makaric! She’s another great one who began her venture, BRITE Bites, in a commercial food truck we had stashed away on campus. She went through a lot to see the success BRITE bites had. Brianna has since wound down her venture to pursue a full-time career in marketing consumer packaged goods.

Students with food-based venture ideas can now utilize the Burgess Institute’s newly founded commercial kitchen space, Venture Kitchen.

Students should get involved with The Hatch and the Burgess Institute’s programs. It’s not only about starting an idea. It’s about learning how to adopt the entrepreneurial mindset as a whole, said Jaques. I tell students that one of the most successful things you can do is get a job. Companies are looking for candidates who possess an entrepreneurial mindset. Even if you dip your toes in the water with starting a venture, that will give you a leg-up over the competition.

The Burgess Institute’s student venturers who have learned how to plug into the entrepreneurial mindset are more likely to provide value to companies. These students can identify gaps in the marketplace and are keen problem-solvers.

During Paul Jaques’s ten years of involvement, his favorite part about working at The Hatch, and for the Burgess Institute, is that every day is different.

I love that initial meeting, reports Jaques. They tell me the idea they’re so excited over. And then they come back to me two or three years later, even after graduation, saying either that they moved on with the idea or that they moved on to their career.

The MSU Hatch is open to all students and will continue to be a catalyst for student collaboration and venture creation.

What I’m most excited for, for the Hatch’s future, is its growth, said Jaques. Seeing how students utilize the space every year never ceases to amaze me. Being a part of guiding those new ideas makes discovering where our venturers ultimately end up so cool.

The Hatch’s ten-year history means that those initial student venturers now have successful startups and full-fledged careers. Some have even started families.

I love seeing students grow with their ideas. From seeing them launch their ventures or careers to getting married and having kids, many choose to give back once they become an alum of our program. Giving back looks different to everyone. Whether it be a philanthropic contribution or a contribution of their time, serving as speakers, mentors, or as one of our entrepreneurs-in-residence, that generosity has enormous impact.

With the close of the inaugural Venture Summit, the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation looks back fondly at the last decade of venturing, and ushers in a new decade of creation, collaboration, innovation, and, most importantly — celebration. What’s your venture?

Are you interested in getting involved with the Burgess Institute? Apply to the Discovery program by visiting https://entrepreneurship.msu.edu/discovery-launch. Reach out to Paul Jaques (jaques@msu.edu) or Lori Fischer (fisch210@msu.edu) to schedule a time to check out the MSU Hatch in person on the third floor of 325 E. Grand River Avenue., suite 345, East Lansing, Michigan 48823.

June 10, 2025 | Read time 1 min

MSU Entrepreneur Leadership Camp Inspires Michigans Next Generation of Innovators

By Katie Haley

Each summer Michigan State University becomes a hub of ambition and innovation for the next generation of entrepreneurs. From June 23-26, high school students from across Michigan arrive to campus ready to embark upon their entrepreneurial journey. From Grand Rapids to Detroit and everywhere between students come not just as visitors, but as emerging innovators ready to embrace the entrepreneurial mindset.

Founded in 2022 by MSU’s Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Multicultural Business Programs (MBP), the Entrepreneur Leadership Camp transforms the Entrepreneurship Lab at the Eli Broad College of Business into a launchpad where students explore bold ideas, build real-world skills, and begin to see themselves as future founders.

At the center of this effort is Tamira Chapman, an MSU alum, nationally recognized entrepreneur, Detroit native, and the camp’s premier event sponsor. Through the support of the Chapman Family Foundation, she is investing in the next generation of Michigan entrepreneurs, offering not only financial support, but also time, mentorship and lived experience.

When we invest in young people, we’re building the future of innovation in our communities. This camp is about showing students that their ideas matter, their voices belong, and their potential has no limits,” shared Chapman.

The Chapman Family Foundation, based in metro Detroit, empowers youth by providing them with the tools and opportunities to shape their future and contribute positively to their communities. After engaging with the camp and sharing her own entrepreneurial journey in 2022, Chapman saw how closely its impact aligned with her family’s philanthropic mission, and committed to sponsoring and supporting its programming for three years.

As CEO of Storehouse In A Box, Chapman has built an e-commerce enterprise rooted in values of ownership, innovation, and community impact. Her story hits home with students, especially those who see a bit of themselves in her. She speaks authentically about the obstacles she’s overcome and how those challenges became the fuel that propelled her forward. She empowers students to reframe their own narratives not as limitations but as launching points.

“We wanted to create a space where students from all backgrounds feel empowered to share their ideas, create ventures, and know that MSU is a place where they can grow and thrive,” said Lori Fischer, director of operations at the Burgess Institute.

Open to all rising high school juniors and seniors, the camp experience is designed to be hands-on, fast paced, and immersive to real world scenarios. Participants dive into workshops led by accomplished business leaders and industry professionals. Throughout the program, students work closely with their teammates to develop comprehensive business plans while learning the ins and outs of building a business. They receive valuable mentorship from experienced local and Spartan entrepreneurs active in Michigan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Serving as the keynote speaker, Jehan Crump-Gibson, attorney, entrepreneur, Detroit native and proud Spartan alum, brings a personal and professional background that reflects the leadership, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit the camp aims to cultivate.

“This year marks the fourth year of the Entrepreneur Leadership Camp, and with every year we aim to be as impactful as possible,” said Marquis Taylor, assistant director for strategic partnerships, alumni and employer relations at MBP. “With this goal and expectation in mind, we are constantly looking for the best speakers to connect with our students because they are the lifeline to the success of this program. Jehan Crump-Gibson is no exception to the standard of excellence we have set over the years.”

By the end of the week students walk away with more than just business knowledge, but confidence, curiosity and community. For Lucas Valdez, a 2023 participant, the camp was transformative in unexpected ways: “It became kind of fun to meet new people and share small things with them,” he says. “Later down the road, when I did DECA in high school, I ended up doing really well because I felt like I had built a lot of confidence in meeting people and coming across as a confident person myself.”

Niklas Lorenz, a 2023 camp participant echoed similar thoughts: “It gave us the actual experience needed when coming up with an idea and turning it into something real. I definitely learned how to network better, we met with so many established business owners.”

Each year more students arrive on campus ready to explore what is possible and each year they leave seeing entrepreneurship as a future they can shape. The growth of the Entrepreneur Leadership Camp reflects the power of collaboration between the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Multicultural Business Programs (MBP), alumni leaders, and supporters like the Chapman Family Foundation and Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP). Its mission remains clear: to ensure that every student regardless of background, sees entrepreneurship as a path they can pursue.

May 5, 2025 | Read time 1 min

Six Spartan Startups to Showcase at 16th Annual “Making It In Michigan” Trade Show

Six student-led startups from Michigan State University will showcase their products at the 16th annual Making It In Michigan (MIIM) Trade Show on May 7, from 11:00 a.m to 3:30 p.m at the Lansing Center. Hosted by the MSU Product Center and sponsored by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), MIIM is the state’s premier event for food and agriculture entrepreneurs to connect, sell, and promote their Michigan-made products.

The five Spartan ventures, supported by MSU’s Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, will join more than 200 vendors and exhibitors showcasing their products and making valuable industry connections, all with the goal of growing Michigan’s economy

Among the 200+ exhibitors, these MSU student startups will proudly showcase their products at the 2025 MIIM Trade Show:

Baking by Jade

Jade McLellan, Eli Broad College of Business

Baking By Jade is a Rochester Hills-based home bakery run by Jade McLellan, specializing in homemade custom cakes, cupcakes, cookies, pies, and other treats. Known for her creative, made-to-order desserts, Jade offers seasonal and event-themed bakes, such as graduation cookies and cupcakes.

Bros ‘n Dough

Gavin Green, Eli Broad College of Business

Bros ‘n Dough Inc. is a family-owned business based in Oxford, Michigan, dedicated to crafting delicious handmade stuffed bagels. Made from scratch with care, our bagels come in three mouthwatering flavors: Bacon Cheddar, Jalapeño Cheddar, and Apple Cinnamon. Perfect for busy mornings, quick snacks, or food service needs, they’re conveniently sold frozen in cases of 6 single-serve bags or a bulk 15-pack for commercial use. We take pride in delivering high-quality, flavorful bagels that bring a homemade touch to every bite.

CocoMar

Fatima Taha, Eli Broad College of Business, Breno Tepedino, Eli Broad College of Business, Valentina Sgrillo, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

CocoMar offers a unique line of ready-to-drink protein smoothies made with real fruits and hydrating coconut water. Designed for a healthy, on-the-go lifestyle, our smoothies provide 20g of complete isolate protein, natural electrolytes, fiber, and antioxidants—without added sugars or artificial sweeteners. Our initial launch features Açaí with Blueberry and Dragon Fruit with Mango, both bursting with tropical flavor and real nutrition. Inspired by the vibrant fruit culture of Brazil, CocoMar blends premium ingredients to create delicious, functional beverages that fuel your body and support overall wellness. Enjoy a refreshing, nutrient-packed boost with CocoMar!

Detroit Salsa Company

Finn Gomez, College of Communications Arts and Sciences

Detroit Salsa Company is a family-run fourth-generation salsa company that traces its roots back to Corktown, Detroit. We produce fresh, authentic, and local salsa in two variants, tomato-based and guacamole salsa in mild and macho (hot).

macaronza!

Yuktha Pulavarthi, Eli Broad College of Business

macaronza! offers delicious, gluten-free, and fully customizable macarons at an affordable price. After years of perfecting our recipes, we now create fun and unique flavors for any occasion, making them the perfect treat for yourself or a loved one!

ZolliCandy

Alina Morse, Eli Broad College of Business

ZolliCandy is a zero sugar, allergen free, diabetic-friendly, KETO candy founded by teenage entrepreneur and Michigan State student, Alina Morse. With a variety of teeth cleaning candies including Zollipops, Zaffi Taffy, Zolli Caramelz, Zolli Gum Popz, Zolli Gummeez, and more, Zolli’s mission is to continue to innovate all-inclusive candy for everyone to enjoy. ZolliCandy is the #1 selling sugar-free candy sold on Amazon.com and can be found in over 15,000 retailers nationwide as well as over 15 countries. As a women owned and caused based organization Zolli helps support oral health education while satisfying sweet cravings for all ages.

To view the full 2025 vendor list, visit the MSU Product Center.

General admission to the trade show is free, with members of the public encouraged to walk around, interact with food vendors and enjoy many opportunities for free samples of delicious food and beverages all made in Michigan.