STARR Scholarship FAQ

Why will the STARR Scholarship program no longer be a offered at MSU?

From the inception of this program, the donors' intention was always to fund this during their lifetime. Their generosity has been the source of funding for the scholarship program for the last 25 years. They built this program with the intent of knowing the recipients and seeing the results of their philanthropy.

Will current STARR scholarship recipients still be supported?

Current STARR scholars will receive their complete financial aid package as stated in their scholarship contract. They will continue to meet for informal and formal dinners, receive support from the scholarship program leaders and can participate in the STARR alumni group.

How long has the STARR Scholarship program been at MSU?

The STARR Scholarship has existed for 25 years. The first scholarships were awarded in 1998 and focused on students who graduated from a high school in the state of Wyoming. In 2012, the donors expanded the program by adding four scholarships that focused on Michigan's Upper Peninsula, which the donors later expanded to eight scholarships.

Who started the STARR Scholarship program?

In 1998, a couple who had met at and graduated from Michigan State University, established the STARR Scholarship for undergraduates through a primarily expendable gift from the STARR Charitable Foundation.

Why was the STARR Scholarship program started?

As is the case with all donor funded scholarships, STARR donors had a specific set of goals in mind. These included:

1. Initially to provide Wyoming students with an opportunity to attend a large nationally and internationally ranked institution to make available the breadth and depth of experiences that a research-intensive institution like Michigan State University (MSU) had to offer.
2. Through their academic and extracurricular activities, cultivate young people that are ambitious, talented, and enthusiastic in their academic and extracurricular activities.
3. As a result of their undergraduate experiences, hone students' leadership abilities that are predictive of their capacity to emerge as tomorrow's leaders in their communities, businesses and professions.
4. Develop skills, talents, and the curiosity to learn and grow that is coupled with ethical behavior, good moral character, and unique characteristics that will distinguish them from their peers.

What does this scholarship cover?

The STARR Scholarship fully funds all undergraduate expenses (tuition and fees, room and board, books, and miscellaneous spending for eight (8) full time semesters and provides a one-time $1,000 computer stipend.