A $300,000 anonymous gift was made recently to Intercollegiate Athletics to fully fund a scholarship in the Spartan women's golf program. The scholarship will bear the name of longtime MSU head women's golf coach Mary Fossum.

Under Fossum's guidance, the Spartans won six Big Ten titles, including an unprecedented five straight from 1974-78. Her teams also played in six AIAW National Championships from 1973-78 and played in the 1982 and 1984 NCAA Championships. "The Athletics Department is extremely proud and grateful to receive this generous commitment," said Dr. Clarence Underwood, MSU director of Intercollegiate Athletics. "Our women's golf program has a strong tradition of excellence, and to bear the name of our Hall of Fame coach is certainly most appropriate."

The success of MSU women's golf has continued under the direction of current head coach Stacy Slobodnik-Stoll, including the 2001 Big Ten title, NCAA Regional appearances in the past three years, and NCAA Championship appearances in 2000 and 2001. "We strive to continue the outstanding legacy that Coach Fossum established," Slobodnik-Stoll said. "This gift puts our program one step closer to our championship goals."

Several Spartan teams have benefited from partially endowed scholarships, but this $300,000 gift ensures a full-ride scholarship in perpetuity. It is the first-ever fully endowed athletic scholarship at MSU. With endowed funds, gifts are invested to earn income each year, and as the principal grows, so does the income available to award. The principal always remains invested in order to perpetuate the fund and, consequently, provide a stream of financial support for the area of choice.

"The Mary Fossum Golf Scholarship could be the beginning of a new era in philanthropy for Spartan athletics," said Chris Ritrievi, associate athletic director and director of development for MSU Intercollegiate Athletics. "Although the family wishes to remain anonymous, they know how deeply we cherish their loyal generosity."

For more information about creating an endowed athletic scholarship at MSU, please contact Tim Stedman in the Spartan Fund office.