A committee of Michigan State University administrators is deciding how to spend the $1,084,014 dollars raised in the wake of a deadly shooting on campus in February.
The reservoir, deemed the “Spartan Strong Fund,” was filled by 4,241 donors and aided by portions of proceeds generated by officially licensed “Spartan Strong” merchandise.
The committee’s work will start with a recommendation to interim president Teresa Woodruff “regarding the initial distribution” of the funds, according to an email from Assistant Vice President of Engagement Alison Gaudreau to the committee obtained by The State News.
The committee is tasked with monitoring the fund’s balance and spending, and with determining an “application process” for students seeking portions of the fund, according to the email.
There isn’t currently a firm timeline for when the funds will be distributed, according to deputy MSU spokesperson Dan Olsen. He did say the university will “communicate with students and the community what funds are available and how to access them” when possible.
The committee has six members:
- Vennie Gore, Senior Vice President of Student Life and Engagement
- Allyn Shaw, Assistant Vice President for Student Leadership and Involvement
- Keith Williams, Executive Director of Financial Aid
- Ryan Thelen, Interim Budget and Human Resources Officer for the Provost’s Office
- Rebecca Barber, Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis
- Radhika Pasricha, Associate General Counsel
When reached by The State News to comment on the committee’s progress and goals, Pasricha referred the question to the MSU communications department.
As the “Spartan Strong” message circulated online in the days after the shooting, many businesses began offering specials and merchandise with proceeds going to the fund.
Following reports of fraudulently-advertised products purporting to contribute to the fund, the university began using its licensing system to verify the charitability of “Spartan Strong” products.
