Spartans learn entrepreneurship by doing—and alumni and friends play a vital role in that experience. The Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation invites alumni and friends of Michigan State University to engage directly with students through hands-on, real-world opportunities that bring education to life.
Whether you are sharing your story, offering guidance, opening doors, or investing in the future of Spartan entrepreneurs, your involvement helps students build confidence, capability, and momentum.
The Burgess Institute connects alumni and friends with meaningful, flexible opportunities to support students across campus.
Speak & Share Your Story
Serve as a guest speaker in classrooms, workshops, and events—sharing your entrepreneurial journey, lessons learned, and industry insight with students exploring what’s possible.
Mentor & Coach Student Founders
Support student and alumni-led venture teams by providing guidance, feedback, and perspective as they develop ideas, test assumptions, and build early-stage ventures.
Judge & Evaluate Pitch Competitions
Contribute your expertise as a judge for pitch competitions and experiential programs, helping students strengthen their ideas and presentation skills through constructive feedback.
Host & Create Experiential Learning Opportunities
Open your company, workspace, or network to students through site visits, shadowing experiences, or project-based learning opportunities.
These engagement opportunities are coordinated by the Burgess Institute to ensure alignment with student learning outcomes and a positive, impactful experience for all involved.
Philanthropic support helps ensure that entrepreneurial education at MSU remains accessible, hands-on, and student-centered. Gifts to the Burgess Institute fuel experiential learning, venture development, scholarships, and programs that support Spartans at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey.
Alumni and friends can support this work through annual giving, days of giving like Give Green Day, or targeted initiatives aligned with the Institute’s priorities.