Robert S. Shaw Society

Robert S. Shaw Society recognizes the generosity of donors who make a commitment between $500,000 and $999,999 to MSU or a documented planned gift of at least $1,000,000. In addition, Shaw Society donors are permanently enshrined in the pillars of Benefactors Plaza.

Shaw, a native of Ontario, Canada, arrived in East Lansing in 1902 as an assistant professor. After serving as acting president on three separate occasions, he was officially named president in 1928. He held that post until his retirement in 1941 when he was succeeded by his son-in-law, John Hannah. During his presidency, student enrollments and the number of faculty rose dramatically.

Shaw initiated the purchase of an additional 1,000 acres of land for campus expansion and managed to gain accreditation from many organizations. During his time as president, he introduced new courses including Hotel Administration, Public Administration, Geology, Geography, and Physical Education for women. Shaw is also credited with creating an All-College Division, which included the Registrar, Publications & Journalism, Library, Radio Broadcasting, and Competitive Athletics departments.

Contributions at the Shaw level allow significant expansion of existing quality programs as well as the initiation of new programs, endowments and scholarships in much the way the namesake of this society did during his time at MSU. Shaw level donors are welcomed at exclusive engagements on campus as well as the largest and most significant gatherings of donors each year. In addition, Shaw level donors will be kept informed of opportunities to be involved in many other aspects of campus life, either via mail or personal contact with MSU representatives.

Recognition at the Robert S. Shaw Society level typically includes all gifts received prior to making a pledge at this level and may include company matching contributions. Pledges are fulfilled within one-to-five years. Planned gifts are documented in writing. A planned gift may be combined with cash gifts and pledges to qualify for Shaw Society recognition.

It is MSU's privilege to provide each Shaw Society level donor with a distinctive and personalized memento, recognition in an issue of the MSU Alumni Magazine, complimentary quarterly issues of the MSU Alumni Magazine if not received through a membership in the MSU Alumni Association, and the donor-focused magazine Developments. Donors may also be appropriately recognized by college or unit-based programs to which they contribute.

For more information on the Shaw Society membership, please call University Development at (517) 884-1000 and ask to speak to a special gifts officer.