Spartan Spirit. It's part enthusiasm, part pride, and part tradition. It's student-athletes giving their maximum effort and fans rallying behind that effort. The excitement is contagious, and the loyalty lasts a lifetime.

One way Michigan State University alumni and friends can demonstrate their Spartan Spirit is through a financial commitment to the Ralph Young Fund. Named for MSU's longtime athletic director, the fund provides athletic scholarships for student-athletes in 26 men's and women's varsity sports. Gifts to the fund also may be used for travel, equipment, uniforms, recruiting, and general budget support. Most important, however, is the fact that nearly 800 student-athletes benefit educationally every year from contributions to the Ralph Young Fund.

Your gifts may be designated for a specific sport, for use where the need is greatest, or for a combination of the two. Your gift may qualify you for membership in one of our donor recognition groups listed below and the athletic-related benefits that accompany that membership. Those benefits, such as priority ticket purchases and locations and special parking, increase as the size of your annual gift increases. Certain ticket considerations vary from year to year based on allotments and availability.

• Honorary Coaches Club $1,500 and above annually
• Captains Club $800 to $1,499 annually
• Green and White Club $400 to $799 annually
• Spartan Club $200 to $399 annually
• Ralph Young Club $100 to $199 annually

If you are employed by one of the more than 1,000 companies that have matching-gift programs, you have the opportunity to double or even triple the value of your gift to the Ralph Young Fund and Spartan athletics -- at no increased cost to you. Please consult your personnel office for information on your company's policy.

The outstanding educational opportunities at Michigan State University offer the best possible foundation for athletic excellence that a student can experience. First-class facilities and the invaluable support from alumni and friends make it possible for world-class coaches to help develop world-class athletes as leaders -- both on and off the field. Be assured that with your financial support, Spartan athletes, coaches, and administrators will continue to strive for excellence with integrity.

For more information on giving to Spartan athletics, contact the Ralph Young Fund office at (517) 355-8257 or send us a fax at (517) 432-6219.

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