Marissa Poe
MSU losta highly esteemed, former administrator, faculty member, benefactor, and friendwhen Dr. Milton E. Muelder passed away on May 6, 2010. For the MSU community, Dr.Muelder was a legend. His involvementwith MSU spanned over seven decades, starting in 1935 when he became a historyand political science instructor. Throughout the years, Dr. Muelder would hold various titles, mostnotably director of the MSU Foundation, the first Vice President of Researchand Dean of the Graduate School. Dr. Muelder was a decorated war veteran that receivedthe Legion of Merit for his work in World War 2. As a benefactor, he donated over 1 milliondollars to various departments and programs.
Dr. Muelder officially retired in the 1970s,but his involvement with MSU continued until his passing. Showing true SpartanSpirit, Dr. Muelder attended lectures, athletic football games and sportingevents well into his late 90s. This past January, he and his wife Beth Schwartzattended a presentation by Michael Hudson and Al Puzzuoli of the ResourceCenter for Persons with Disabilities. He and his wife were moved by the RCPD'sprograms and efforts. They immediately identified with RCPD's mission tomaximize ability and opportunity of persons with disabilities. Dr. Muelder andhis wife wanted all memorial funds to go to the Persons with DisabilitiesEndowment Fund. Their hope was that friends and family would help further thepurposes of the endowment fund.
Dr.Muelder always looked toward the future, and even with his passing, he lookedto support the RCPD's future. Michael Hudson believed that \Milt saw the work of our office as transformative for many. He knewfirsthand how disabilities required vigilance but certainly he exemplified ourfindings that disabilities do not need to stop people from reaching lifegoals."
A manthat demonstrated life-long generosity gave his last gift to persons withdisabilities. He was invaluable to theMSU community and will truly be missed.
Make a gift to the Persons with Disabilities EmpowermentFund
This donor-supported programprovides awareness and expanded opportunity for persons with disabilities. Youcan help support this initiative or find out more about other RCPD programs andgiving opportunities by visiting the FinancialContributions page.