Donor Spotlight
Ron Skover & Lori Falk-Skover
MSU has meant a great deal to both of us for many years and we are proud to be able to give back to the institution that helped both of us attain an excellent education. There's no time like the present to give and help MSU and its students reach their goals.
Spartan Fund is grateful for the generous gifts over the years from Lori Falk-Skover and Ron Skover, who are firm believers in giving back and supporting causes that are close to their hearts. Ron put his MSU turfgrass management classes to work and runs his own tree and landscape management company. Lori graduated from the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources in '77 and the College of Education in '78. Lori's mother was actually a first-generation college student, attending MSU on a 4-H scholarship. “We believe that 4-H programs offer incredible opportunities and essential life skills to today's youth,” said Lori. “We are proud of how MSU continues to move forward, yet does not forget its past and core land grant principles that gave birth to this wonderful college (now university). We must never forget our roots.” Lori and Ron love traveling, cycling, and following MSU sports, but they are also passionate and experienced breeders of Morgan horses, which they take great pride in raising and showing.
“Spartans are found all over the world,” Lori said. “Wherever we travel and are wearing MSU apparel, it never fails that someone in passing will say 'GO GREEN!' and naturally, we answer 'GO WHITE!' It's a universal thing!”
When asked about their favorite places or things to do on campus, Ron and Lori agreed, “Definitely the MSU Dairy Store.
We just wish they would get back to making cheese! We also enjoy exploring the livestock farms and stunning gardens at Michigan State. There are so many wonderful settings to reconnect with nature and the Earth. The natural beauty all around campus helps to keep us grounded, a reminder that feels more important now than ever. We have always wanted to take a tour of Beaumont Tower and got our chance last month. It was incredible to experience the history of that monument in person and witness the care that went into its renovation.”
Lori and Ron made a generous donation in support of the Tom Izzo Football Building, excited for the potential the new facility offers to MSU student-athletes, and specifically, the football program. “Ideally, the impact we hope to have with our gift commitments is to have our student-athletes grow and develop into well-rounded, productive members of society—individuals who are gainfully employed, intellectually driven, and emotionally resilient.
“Ultimately, we aspire for them to represent MSU with pride and, in turn, give back to the university that offered them exceptional educational and athletic opportunities. We aim to help more students attend and graduate from Michigan State providing access to a first-class education and athletic experience that might have otherwise been out of reach.
“There's no better time than now to create a plan for giving to MSU! You can start small and build from there, just as we have done. It definitely adds up over time. Giving brings a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose and knowing that you are doing the right thing. It's truly a win-win.”