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Serra family make $10M commitment to MSU football, Spartan Stadium upgrades

October 1, 2026
<p>The Michigan State Spartans faced off against the University of Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025.</p>

The Michigan State Spartans faced off against the University of Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025.

On Thursday, longtime Michigan State University donors Joe and Julie Serra made a $10 million gift to MSU Football as part of the university's $1 billion FOR SPARTA fundraising push.

Joe Serra is the chair of Fenton-based Serra Automotive, a family business founded by his father, which today ranks among the nation's top 10 privately held retail automotive businesses. Julie Serra is an MSU alumna and a retired kindergarten teacher who remains active in the Flint community. Joe Serra also serves on MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz's Green and White Council, which aims to broaden MSU's economic impact across the state.

This gift marks the largest commitment from the family since the family's giving began in 1989. The $10 million is allocated to FOR SPARTA and will specifically be used for future improvements to Spartan Stadium. FOR SPARTA, announced in December 2025, focuses on elevating athletic facilities and enhancing student-athlete opportunities. The initiative frames itself as a way for MSU Athletics to fundraise in the modern college athletics age when spending is a prerequisite for success.

FOR SPARTA was originally announced with renderings of a renovated east side of Spartan Stadium.

The Serra family said they greatly believe in Guskiewicz and are excited for an athletic future under new athletic director, Dan Bartholomae.

“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. “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.”  

Guskiewicz shared a similar admiration for the Serra family.

“Joe and Julie’s extraordinary generosity reflects a commitment to Michigan State that extends far beyond philanthropy,” Guskiewicz said. “They believe deeply in this university, our student-athletes and the power of MSU to make a difference."

The Serras’ commitment comes at a pivotal time for Spartan athletics, with MSU continuing to strive for the best athletic resources to compete at the highest level. Bartholomae said the gift was an "expression of trust" in MSU Athletics.

"We plan to direct their support toward improvements at Spartan Stadium, strengthening a place that means so much to our student-athletes, fans and generations of Spartans," Joe and Julie Serra said. "Their generosity gives us an opportunity to invest thoughtfully in the experience we want to create at Michigan State."

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