Economic Stimulus Package

     As of July 2009, 14.5 million persons were unemployed in the United States,1 according to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics. In the state of Michigan, where unemployment is reported at 15 percent – the nation’s highest – the Michigan State University Alumni Association responded by unveiling its “Economic Stimulus Package” – a complimentary membership for unemployed MSU alumni.


Spartans helping Spartans

     ESP exemplifies the philosophy of Spartans helping Spartans.  The MSU Alumni Association national board approved the concept in May, and many of its members followed up with individual contributions to the ESP fund, making possible a limited number of complimentary annual memberships.

     “The MSU Alumni Association national board approved the concept in May, and many of its members followed up with individual contributions to the ESP fund. It is because of their generosity that we are now able to offer a limited number of complimentary annual memberships.”

     Annual dues for a single membership are regularly priced at $45, according to Laurie Robison, MSUAA’s director of marketing and membership services.


Access to benefits

     “Our Economic Stimulus Package gives unemployed alumni throughout the nation access to benefits that may alleviate some of the hardships inherent to job loss,” Robison said.

     Benefits most useful to unemployed alumni include free access to career services, such as job postings, resume review and critiquing, and job-interviewing preparation. Should scheduled interviews take place away from home or result in the need to relocate, membership also includes discounts on car rental, lodging and interstate moving services. To further minimize costs during this time of hardship, members have access to affordable short-term medical, auto, homeowners and renters insurance.


Daring to make a difference

     “ESP is part of our ‘We Dare You’ me mbership campaign, which capitalizes on the university’s numerous successes and how, by daring to make a difference in the world, it consistently distinguishes itself as an elite but compassionate institution,” Robison explained. “The ‘We Dare You’ message focuses on Spartan pride and attempts to raise public awareness about the many contributions Michigan State University continues to make, not just within the local communities it serves, but on a broader, global scale.”


Apply for or donate to ESP
Interested in sponsoring an unemployed alum? Contact Karen Moser at (517) 355-7348 or moserk@msu.edu

If you're an unemployed alum who is interested in taking advantage of the Economic Stimulus Package membership, contact David Isbell in Career Services at (517) 432-8023 or isbelld@msu.edu.

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