Joe and Julie Serra commit $10 million to Michigan State football, stadium improvements

Michigan State’s plans to invest in Spartan football and improve Spartan Stadium have received a $10 million commitment from longtime university supporters Joe and Julie Serra.

The commitment, designated to MSU’s FOR SPARTA initiative, is the largest gift the Serra family has made to the university. Their giving to Michigan State began in 1989, and the latest commitment extends a relationship spanning nearly four decades.

Athletic director Dan Bartholomae said the department plans to direct the support toward improvements at Spartan Stadium. The announcement did not identify specific projects the commitment will fund.

“Joe and Julie’s commitment is an incredible expression of trust in the future of Spartan Athletics, and I am grateful for their confidence in our team,” Bartholomae said. “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. Their generosity gives us an opportunity to invest thoughtfully in the experience we want to create at Michigan State.”

The Serras cited their family’s connection to Michigan State and confidence in university President Kevin Guskiewicz and Bartholomae as reasons for the commitment.

“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 in a joint statement. “We have great confidence in President Guskiewicz and are excited about the leadership Dan is bringing to Spartan Athletics. We believe there is a tremendous opportunity ahead for Michigan State. 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.”

Julie Serra is a Michigan State alumna and retired kindergarten teacher who has remained active in the Flint area community. Joe Serra is chairman of Fenton-based Serra Automotive, the family business his father, Albert, founded in 1973.

Joe also serves on Guskiewicz’s Green and White Council, which brings business leadership into the university’s work to prepare students for their careers and strengthen Michigan’s economy.

“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.”

FOR SPARTA is a $1 billion initiative supporting athletic facilities, the student-athlete experience, and opportunities across Michigan State Athletics. It is aligned with the university’s broader $4 billion Uncommon Will, Far Better World fundraising campaign.

Jacob Kirkham, senior vice president of the Spartan Athletic Foundation and executive senior associate athletic director, said the Serras’ commitment provides momentum for the athletics initiative.

“We are grateful for their confidence in the direction of the department and for their willingness to step forward in such a meaningful way,” Kirkham said. “Their leadership helps build momentum as we invite others to invest in the future of Spartan Athletics.”