Gerald and Karen Kolschowsky, Philanthropist Award

They are international philanthropists, long-standing partners with MSU and Spartans.

September 1, 2022

Gerald: B.S. Iowa State University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 1962

Karen: B.A. College of Education, 1963

Philanthropist Award: Presented to individuals, families, associations, corporations or foundations with a proven record of providing major, ongoing financial support and leadership to Michigan State University. Their generosity encourages others to take leadership roles in philanthropy toward MSU.

Jerry and Karen Kolschowsky’s work addresses hunger and poverty, primarily in Africa. Jerry is the retired chairman and co-CEO of OSI Industries, LLC, a company he helped become one of the world's largest providers of meat and poultry products to global customers. Karen and Jerry traveled together for work and personally, including trips across the globe where they saw first-hand the impact poverty and hunger had on people’s lives. Their desire to make a difference in addressing poverty and hunger in their retirement and improve people’s lives through sustainable agriculture motivated them to partner with Michigan State University, Karen’s alma mater. 

As a College of Education graduate, Karen believes education is a key to reducing poverty and promoting resilient communities around the world. Together the Kolschowskys have given significantly to MSU in support of the university’s work in Africa. They are co-founding benefactors for the Tanzania Partnership Program (TPP), which is the first initiative of the Partnerships for Sustainable Community Development (PSCD), a program housed in MSU’s Office of International Studies and Programs.  The partnership is a long-term collaborative alliance of local and international organizations dedicated to improving local livelihoods. The partnership’s goal is to promote a sustainable livelihood and improve the resilience of individuals and communities with a focus on addressing issues of hunger and poverty. The family has traveled to Tanzania several times to witness the impact of their philanthropy and our MSU program in action.

The initiative has been life-changing in many ways: student attendance and performance increased due to school lunch programs and improved facilities, drinking water was made safe and more available with rehabilitated water tanks and new boreholes, the construction of a cattle dip dramatically decreased disease, among many other notable impacts.

The Kolschowskys top priority is to ensure that the work of the program creates a demonstrable impact in the lives of others, but they’re also committed to cultivating future generations of change agents. The Tanzania Education Abroad Program allows students from MSU and partner Tanzanian universities to learn hands-on how sustainable development is practiced. Jerry’s and Karen’s living legacy continues to transform lives and inspire students to make great changes in the world.

“We are proud to be part of that change through our philanthropy.”

Who will solve global problems? Spartans Will.

Author: Aimee Klevorn