Mertz-Stoneham Appointed College's Development Director

The College of Education announced in April the appointment of Michelle Mertz-Stoneham as director of development, assuming leadership of corporate and individual giving and other fund-raising activities.

Mertz-Stoneham replaces Jeffrey T. Spoeri, who accepted the position of executive director of the Brevard Community College Foundation in Plantation, Florida.

"Michelle has served as assistant director for the college for the past three years, and has done an incredible job," said Dean Carole Ames. "We are very fortunate to have her now leading the development program for our college."

Mertz-Stoneham became the college's assistant director of development in January of 2001. As assistant director, she directed the college's annual giving campaigns, and led the stewardship efforts of the College of Educa-tional Leadership Circle.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for me," Mertz-Stoneham said. "I feel privileged to work with Dean Ames and the college alumni, retired and current faculty, and others with an interest in supporting our students and programs."

Prior to joining the college, Mertz-Stoneham was director of development at the athena Foundation in East Lansing from 1997-2001. At the athena Foundation, she initiated and directed a national annual fund campaign, directed the organization's international women's leadership conference, and oversaw all of the corporate and foundation relations for the organization.

She received a bachelor's degree in business administration from MSU in 1990, and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration degree at MSU.
She can be reached at (517) 432-1983.

Support the College Through Contributions to The Leadership Circle


The College of Education Leadership Circle is a group of loyal supporters who contribute to the college through annual gifts of $1,250 or more. These gifts provide much-needed scholarship money to students in their internship year.

For many students, the fifth year can be a financial burden. In addition to the full-year teaching experience, interns are required to take credits at the master's degree level. Most students have unmet financial needs during this year and the college is committed to raising scholarship money to support them. The Leader-ship Circle is a critical component of that effort.

In addition to the opportunity to help students, members of The Leadership Circle receive invitations to college events and special communications. Members are able to select an outstanding educator for a Crystal Apple Award as well. Your participation as a member will greatly enhance the college's ability to assist our students during the fifth year.

For more information about The Leadership Circle, please contact the College of Education Development Office at (517) 432-1983.

Plan Ahead
Give Remaining Retirement Plan Assets

It's easier than you may realize and an extremely effective strategy to reduce estate and/or income taxes. Here are some ways you can make a significant future gift to MSU and the College of Education through your retirement plan (401k, 403b, IRAs).


* Name the college as a primary beneficiary of part or all remaining assets in your retirement plan at your death
* Name the college as a contingent beneficiary
* Name the college at the death of your surviving spouse

Simply request a change of beneficiary form from either your employer or the financial institution managing your retirement plan(s). Make the necessary changes, return the form to your retirement plan manager and notify the College of Education of your intent.

It's Just That Easy.

For more information, contact:
Michelle Mertz-Stoneham
Director of Development
College of Education
(517) 432-1983