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,” said Stella Cash, interim associate vice president of alumni relations and MSUAA executive director.

     “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 Jennifer Rahn at (517) 432-1951 or rahnj@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.

For more information, contact:

Laurie Robison	Office: (517) 355-7724
Dir, Marketing & Membership Services	Toll free: (877) MSU-ALUM
MSU Alumni Association	Mobile: (517) 896-1873
242 Spartan Way	Fax: (517) 355-5265
East Lansing, MI 48824-2005	E-mail: robisonl@msu.edu

 
Based on Internal Revenue Service guidelines and the estimated value of your membership benefits, the full amount of your dues payment may be tax deductible for those who itemize deductions. Consult your tax adviser.