$47M Gift Positions MSU Packaging School for Global Leadership

On 7 April, Michigan State University(MSU) has received a $47 million commitment from alumnus Charles (Chuck) and Jacqueline (Jackie) Frasier. This record-breaking gift — the largest ever for the top‑ranked School of Packaging —will reshape packaging education and research worldwide for generations.

The Frasiers’ strategic roadmap includes:

• Capital transformation: A cornerstone allocation will start the next phase of the state-of-the-art expansion to the Packaging Building, creating modern labs and collaborative spaces.
• Strategic leadership: The establishment of an endowed director’s fund ensures MSU continues to attract world-class administrative and academic talent.
• Graduate excellence: A new fellowship endowment will provide critical support for the next generation of doctoral and master’s researchers.
• Institutional agility: A mix of endowed and expendable funds will address the school’s most pressing immediate needs and emerging initiatives.

"This gift positions Michigan State to accelerate its leadership in packaging education and research in ways we have never seen before," said Matt Daum, dean of the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and associate provost. "It allows us to build a true hub for innovation, especially in sustainability, and to bring together top minds from industry, government and academia. This will be a place where ideas move faster, partnerships grow stronger and the future of packaging takes shape."