Spartan Fund leader connects alumni with their passions for helping MSU succeed and thrive

<p>“She has a long and storied career at Michigan State, both as a student and for many years in our central advancement office,” says Spartans Athletic Director Bill Beekman. “And most recently within the College of Music, where she was the principal fundraiser for the <a href="https://www.music.msu.edu/pavilion">Billman Music Pavilion</a>, a truly spectacular facility that sits in the center part of campus, adjacent to the Music Building.” Surian joins Beekman on this edition of MSU Today.</p><p>Surian describes literally growing up on the MSU campus as her father was a French professor. She sees similarities in raising funds for the arts and for athletics.</p><p>“People were surprised when they learned that I moved from the College of Music to Athletics and thought, ‘Really? Arts fundraising and now athletic fundraising?’ Frankly, I think it's very similar,” says <a href="https://msuspartans.com/news/2021/4/28/general-rebecca-surian-and-george-johnson-join-spartan-athletics-team.aspx">Surian</a>. “I'm talking with alumni who are passionate about Michigan State University. They are passionate about this university having great opportunities for our faculty and students. </p><p>“I see an easy transition. I know a number of alumni who have supported the College of Music over the years, as well as Athletics. So I actually see it as a very logical and easy next step in my career path. It's visiting with people and talking about their passions and desire to support MSU and see both our academics and the university as a whole succeed and do well and thrive.</p><p>“Being a fundraiser is about developing relationships with people and understanding what their passions are and what excites them about Michigan State University. The relationship evolves and gets to a point where you have an opportunity to talk with them about the experience that they get and the joy that they get when they make a gift to the university. It's really about letting donors understand the experience and the joy that they get when they