The Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation is thrilled to announce the Simpson-Birkestrand Endowed Scholarship for Entrepreneurs at Michigan State University. With this scholarship, Suzanne and Dennis Birkestrand wish to promote the free-market system and to assist Michigan State University students as they develop their entrepreneurial skills, learn best business practices, and contribute to private enterprise.
ELIGIBILITY
To be considered for the Simpson-Birkestrand Scholarship for Entrepreneurs, student recipients will be awarded to qualified applicants based on the following criteria:
a). In good academic standing at Michigan State University
b.) Enrolled in the Minor for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
c.) A resident of the State of Michigan
PAST RECIPIENTS
2022
GRANT PETRUCCI
College of Communication Arts & Sciences
2022 – 2023
ARIELLE SMITH
College of Agriculture & Natural Resources
2022 – 2024
PIA GANDROTHU
Lyman Briggs College
2023 – 2025
ELLA LYNCH
College of Social Science
2024 – 2026
JACKSON KEEFE
Eli Broad College of Business
SUZANNE & DENNIS BIRKESTRAND
Dennis and Suzanne met at The Maytag Company in Newton, Iowa, where they worked in marketing and home economics, respectively. They left Maytag in 1988 to launch their venture, Factory Direct Appliance, dedicated to serving the appliance needs of new home builders and remodelers. They grew Factory Direct Appliance from one store in Kansas to seven locations stretching across four states, including Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska.
Dennis Birkestrand is a graduate of Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, with a double major in economics and business administration.
Suzanne, a proud Spartan, graduated from MSU in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics Education and a minor in Journalism.