Izzo Family Donates $1 Million To Michigan State Athletic Department

George Blaha wasn’t surprised to learn today that the Izzo family has given a $1-million gift to Michigan State athletics, with most of it earmarked for football.

“That’s an awesome thing for Tom and Lupe to do,” said Blaha, the play-to-play announcer for Michigan State football. “They’re very generous, big-hearted people. Let me just tell you this: You see how that (MSU) basketball team plays, you know there’s a guy with a football mentality coaching them.

“I know coach Izzo loves football, so I’m not shocked that a significant amount of that donation is going to football. Believe me, if you’re a Spartan, you love Tom Izzo, and those of us involved in Michigan State football have always appreciated him, always admired him. And this is going to have a lasting impact.”

In addition to the amount earmarked for football, including scholarship endowments and capital projects, the gift also will support projects such as the George Webster Scholarship Fund, the Spartan Marching Band and Olympic sports at MSU.

“We’ve been blessed to be a part of the Michigan State family for nearly 30 years,” Izzo said in a released statement. “Jud Heathcote taught me long ago that the only good deal was one that benefits both parties, and that perfectly describes my relationship with Michigan State University. My wife Lupe and I, along with our children, Raquel and Steven, have dedicated our lives to this university, because we believe in intercollegiate athletics and the positive role it plays in so many lives. The Spartan students are our passion, our life’s work. We’ve raised a family here and become entrenched in the mission of the university. And in return, we’ve received so much more than we’ve given. With these blessings, we felt it was time to make a financial contribution.

“Supporting the football team was an easy decision.”

Izzo said football coach Mark Dantonio is “a man of character, building a championship program. But what makes football special is that it truly benefits everyone across the university. Spearheaded by football’s success, there is great momentum throughout all programs.”

Dantonio added in the statement: “Tom and Lupe Izzo are great ambassadors for Michigan State University, and they believe in the role intercollegiate athletics play in the educational experience. As we all know, Tom has a tremendous passion for football, and we’re extremely grateful for his family’s financial support. He has been and will continue to be a great leader and role model for all Michigan State coaches.”

Athletic director Mark Hollis the gift is an example of Izzo’s leadership.

“Last summer, Tom Izzo said he was a Spartan for life,” Hollis said in the news release. “It’s actions like this gift that demonstrate that Spartan athletics is life for Tom and Lupe and their family.”