The Milton E. and Kathleen D. Muelder Endowment for MSU Safe Place was established to provide scholarship funds for survivors of relationship violence who are MSU undergraduate, graduate, or transfer students whose education has been interrupted or postponed due to domestic violence.
Click to access the Muelder Scholarship Application.
Dr. Kathleen D. Muelder received her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Nutrition in 1938 from the University of Minnesota, and during World War II was in charge of quality control of biologic products at the Michigan Department of Health. From an early age and throughout her life she studied painting. She began collecting American and Japanese prints during her years as a graduate student in Minneapolis and took up paining seriously as a student and practicing artist in 1959. In a state-wide competition in 1961, her painting “Delphinium” was among some 2,400 entries of Michigan artists to be selected for showing at the Detroit Institute of Arts. For an extended period she shared a studio with Alma Goetsch, a prominent professor of art at MSU. Kathleen passed away in 1995.
Dr. Milton E. Muelder received a B.A. degree at Knox College, a M.A. in International Administration at Columbia University and a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in European History and German Literature. He joined the faculty at Michigan State University in 1935 as instructor of history and political science. During his 41 years at MSU, he held numerous administrative positions. Among these were chairman of the Department of Political Science and Public Administration from 1949-52, Dean of the College of Science and Arts, 1952-76, and, from 1974-76 he additionally was appointed as the first executive director of the MSU Foundation. During World War II, Dr. Muelder was commissioned a Navy officer and accepted an assignment as special consultant to the Army to help plan and implement the military government administration and occupation of Germany. In recognition of his service, the Army conferred upon him the Legion of Merit.
The Muelders were married on June 26, 1939 and enjoyed a long and rich life together on the Michigan State University campus. Dr. Muelder established the Muelder Endowment for MSU Safe Place to encourage others to support a cause that champions the safety, dignity and well-being of the MSU Community.
If you are interested in making a gift to the Milton E. and Kathleen D. Muelder Endowment for MSU Safe Place, please contact the Student Services Advancement Office at (517) 355-7535 or make an online gift.