Donor Spotlight

Spartan Fund and MSU Athletics would like to thank The Gregory H. Montgomery Jr. Foundation for their $250,000 commitment that will support mental health services for Michigan State student-athletes. The foundation was established by the Montgomery family following the tragic suicide of Greg Montgomery Jr. - a 1988 MSU graduate, 2x All-American, 3x All-Big Ten, and NFL All-Pro player who still holds the Big Ten record for the longest punt (86 yards).

In 1997, Greg was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and dedicated more than 20 years to bravely raise awareness about mental health and help to stop the stigma that surrounds mental illness. The Gregory H. Montgomery Jr. Foundation supports mental health services for student-athletes at MSU, as well as other individuals, foundations, and schools. The foundation's motto is “He lives through lives saved,” and believes that early intervention and education can make a difference.

Today, there is a growing understanding of the need for mental health education and resources. At Michigan State, championship-level performance on the field is a reflection of the preparation of the mind and body off the field. Through mental health psychology and rest and recovery, our student-athletes can achieve optimal mind and body performance.

“The Montgomery family's generosity will immensely impact the lives of our student-athletes,” said longtime and now-retired Spartan trainer and Director of Sports Medicine, Dr. Sally Nogle. “We are thankful that we are able to provide mental health services for our student-athletes. We have psychiatrists, psychologists, and sports psychologists who work with our student-athletes to help them with any mental health concerns and to help them perform better in the classroom and in their sport. We have a good relationship with our Counseling and Psychiatric Services Center (CAPS) on campus to also provide services for our student-athletes.”