Built for Spartans Developing an Entrepreneurial Mindset Rooted in Purpose.
The Mark and Marcia Hooper Entrepreneurial Scholarship supports undergraduate students at Michigan State University who are actively engaged in entrepreneurship through the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Established by Spartan alumni Mark and Marcia Hooper (Eli Broad College of Business ’76), this scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate the drive, integrity, and initiative to pursue meaningful educational and professional goals through entrepreneurship.
For the Hoopers, entrepreneurship is more than launching a business, it’s a mindset grounded in curiosity, hard work, service, and the willingness to take on new challenges. This scholarship helps ensure students with that mindset have the support to turn ideas into impact.
Who Should Apply
This scholarship is for undergraduate students who are actively building skills, experience, and momentum through entrepreneurship at Michigan State University. Applicants must:
- Be an undergraduate student in good academic standing at Michigan State University
- Be a current participant in the Venture Creation Program.
- Graduated from a high school in Gratiot County, Montcalm County, or Ingham County, MI (preferred)
- Are pursuing the Minor in Entrepreneurship & Innovation (preferred)
- Demonstrate moderate to low financial need (preferred)
About the Donors
Mark & Marcia Hooper
Mark and Marcia Hooper are proud Spartan alumni whose lives and careers reflect a deep belief in the power of an entrepreneurial mindset. After graduating from the Eli Broad College of Business in 1976 with degrees in accounting, they built careers defined by professional excellence, service, and community leadership.
Marcia began her career at General Motors before dedicating decades to community service, including more than 30 years supporting local organizations and serving as a church treasurer. She holds a special passion for education-connected initiatives.
Mark’s career includes leadership roles as a partner at Ernst & Young and as a co-founder of Andrews Hooper Pavlik PLC, a regional accounting firm with offices across Michigan. He has served on more than 25 for-profit and nonprofit boards and is a founding member and leader of Capital Community Angels, reinforcing his belief in entrepreneurship as a catalyst for economic and community growth.
Through this scholarship, the Hoopers are investing in Spartans who are discovering their talents, building confidence through entrepreneurship, and creating solutions that strengthen communities in Michigan and beyond.