Consumers Energy, Michigan State University Celebrate Partnership to Power Next Generation of Graduates

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Consumers Energy and Michigan State University (MSU) have strengthened their partnership with a $250,000 contribution from the Consumers Energy Foundation to support MSU's College of Engineering. The funding will benefit the College of Engineering's Cornerstone and Residential Experience (CoRe) program, housed in East Wilson Hall.

This latest investment builds upon a relationship dating back to 2009, when the foundation initially contributed $150,000. The CoRe program offers an integrated first-year engineering experience, combining academic curriculum with living-learning opportunities, including corporate tours, tutoring, and professional development.

The partnership aims to retain Michigan's engineering talent and supports Consumers Energy's Clean Energy Plan, which includes eliminating coal by 2025 and achieving net-zero carbon emissions. As Michigan's largest energy provider, Consumers Energy serves 6.8 million residents across 68 Lower Peninsula counties, with goals to meet 90% of customers' energy needs through clean sources.

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Foundation Provides $250,000 for MSU Residential Engineering Program

EAST LANSING, Mich., April 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy and Michigan State University are celebrating a partnership and $250,000 in financial support that is powering the next generation of college graduates to stay and work in Michigan.

Officials with Michigan State University and Consumers Energy today recognized the Consumers Energy Foundation's support for the College of Engineering with a ceremony in the redesigned second-floor lobby of MSU's East Wilson Hall. The building offers living and classroom space for students in the College of Engineering's Cornerstone and Residential Experience (CoRe) program.

"We're thrilled to work with our friends at Michigan State University to create opportunities for today's students in tomorrow's high-skill and high-demand fields," said Chris Fultz, Consumers Energy's vice president of natural gas operations. "Our relationship has paved the way for many MSU graduates to work in exciting, meaningful professions with Consumers Energy and other world-class companies across Michigan."

"We're grateful for the continued and generous partnership of Consumers Energy as Michigan State trains the workforce of today and tomorrow," said Michigan State President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. "Our CoRe program is a key asset for the success of our engineering students, and this gift is one of many ways Consumers Energy supports the university and our students."

Consumers Energy's support for the College of Engineering and Wilson Hall dates back to 2009, when its foundation made a $150,000 contribution. The foundation is the philanthropic arm of Consumers Energy helping local communities grow and thrive. The Consumers Energy Foundation invests in three key areas crucial to all of us in the Great Lakes State -- our people, our planet and our prosperity. 

The money has supported CoRe, an integrated first-year engineering academic program and living-learning community that works to "build the whole engineer," with access to a suite of co-curricular and support activities, such as presentations and seminars, corporate tours, tutoring, academic advising, and social events.

Officials from Consumers Energy interact with Michigan State students throughout the year, making them aware of professional opportunities and encouraging them to learn more about the energy industry.

Consumers Energy is Michigan's largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy's Clean Energy Plan calls for eliminating coal as an energy source in 2025, achieving net-zero carbon emissions and meeting 90% of customers' energy needs through clean sources, including wind and solar.

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for 170 years. One of the world's leading public research universities, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery to make a better, safer, healthier world for all while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 400 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges. The College of Engineering is among the university's founding disciplines and one of the largest academic units.

Media Contacts:
Consumers Energy: Brian Wheeler, 517-740-1545, brian.wheeler@cmsenergy.com

Michigan State University: Emilie Lorditch, 517-355-4082, lorditch@msu.edu 

For more information about Consumers Energy, go to ConsumersEnergy.com.

For more information about Michigan State University, go to msu.edu.

Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/consumersenergy
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/consumersenergy  
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consumersenergy 

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SOURCE Consumers Energy

FAQ

How much did Consumers Energy Foundation donate to Michigan State University's engineering program in 2025?

The Consumers Energy Foundation provided $250,000 to support MSU's College of Engineering and the CoRe program in East Wilson Hall.

What is MSU's CoRe program supported by Consumers Energy?

CoRe is an integrated first-year engineering program combining academic curriculum with living-learning opportunities, including corporate tours, tutoring, academic advising, and professional development activities.

What are Consumers Energy's clean energy goals mentioned in the partnership announcement?

Consumers Energy plans to eliminate coal by 2025, achieve net-zero carbon emissions, and meet 90% of customers' energy needs through clean sources like wind and solar.

How many Michigan residents does Consumers Energy serve as mentioned in the MSU partnership news?

Consumers Energy serves 6.8 million of Michigan's 10 million residents across all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

When did Consumers Energy's partnership with MSU's Engineering College begin?

The partnership began in 2009 with an initial foundation contribution of $150,000 to support the College of Engineering.