History and Purpose

Over ten years ago, one of Michigan State's University's finest football players, George Webster, and alumnus, Jim Nelson, shared thoughts about the educational challenges facing children. The two of them pondered who might be motivated to mentor children toward literacy and obtaining a good education. Who had proven their persistence, hard work and leadership in taking charge of their life?

Dr. Ernie Pasteur reacquainted Jim with his 1960 classmate, Dr. Clarence Underwood, Michigan State's former Athletic Director and author. Jim then read Dr. Underwood's book, Greener Pastures, and the message; through the guidance of these two fine highly skilled gentlemen, it became clear to him and George Webster. They wanted to encourage MSU's former athletes, who had left school without graduating, to re-enroll and obtain their degrees improving their potential to become community leaders who would then reach out to youth as mentors building a better future for these young people and for our Nation. They concluded that by obtaining their degrees, these athletes would have many doors open to them for employment and happy, productive lives that they would not otherwise have. The desire to reach out at once, in love and compassion, to children in our communities and fine athletes who have attended Michigan State, drove the creation of this Scholarship.

Jim went to work creating the necessary tools to make their dream a reality. The Funding document was finalized in June of 2006, and an endowment with pledges completed by July of that year. The initial MSU documents were signed by Athletic Director Ron Mason, in November of 2006 and the final document signed by Athletic Directory Mark Hollis in 2009.

The first two George Webster Scholars started in January of 2007. Each of them met our inspirational leader George Webster at half-court during the 2007 Big Team game against Indiana at the Breslin Center. Sadly, this was George Webster's last visit to his beloved University. However, it was a moment of great satisfaction for Webster as he saw his dream of assisting former MSU athletes become a reality.

Living the dream since then, more candidates have been selected from the eligible pool by our S.A.S.S. Director, Jim Pignataro, and the two Committee members serving with him, Time Stedman and Dr. Mike Kasavana. With great satisfaction, we proudly announce that ten of these candidates have now graduated and three more are enrolled.

This Scholarship, driven by love and caring, is truly unique and one of which Michigan State University, its athletes, students and faculty are immensely, with significant reason, very proud.

Contributions made for the past five years as of September 17, 2010 have and will exclusively support the Webster Scholars program in the amounts of Annual contribution $134,723 and Future Endowment $428,000.

Here are the 12 graduates to date (not including George Webster):

Thanks to the MSU Football Players Association, under the leadership of Hank Bullough, and the website development by Con Demos, one can stay current on the progress of each of the new George Webster Scholar graduates. Please visit www.websterfund.org. The MSU Football Player's website is www.msufpa.com.

Keep the dream alive and join the Spartan fund with your contributions to the Webster Scholarship Fund, AA0029, by contacting Judy Ward at 517-432-4637 or by email to Tim at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or by mail to: MSU Spartan Stadium, 200 Spartan Way, East Lansing, MI 48824.

Thank you so very much.