Bob Matson
Fund Donor: Bob Matson
Class of 1971
Matson Family Endowed Scholarship Fund
Matson Family Endowed Scholarship for Education Abroad
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Fund Descriptions
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Matson Family Endowed Scholarship Fund
About the Fund
William R. and Helen P. Matson grew up during the Great Depression knowing the value of a dollar. They treasured their college experiences and the opportunities their degrees provided for them. Helen and Bill imparted those values to their four children, Merrie, Marcia, Bob and Doug, each of whom graduated from college with their expenses paid entirely by money set aside by their parents. For the Matson family, an education did not stop in the classroom. They traveled frequently and widely as the children were growing up, and that love of travel, the broadening of horizons and exposure to different cultures was a value that the children inherited and cherished. Bob Matson has established both of these funds on the 50th anniversary of his entering Lyman Briggs College as a member of its first graduating class. He does this in memory of his parents and in honor of his family's dedication to higher education and worldly experience.
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Matson Family Endowed Scholarship for Education Abroad
About the Fund
William R. and Helen P. Matson grew up during the Great Depression knowing the value of a dollar. They treasured their college experiences and the opportunities their degrees provided for them. Helen and Bill imparted those values to their four children, Merrie, Marcia, Bob and Doug, each of whom graduated from college with their expenses paid entirely by money set aside by their parents. For the Matson family, an education did not stop in the classroom. They traveled frequently and widely as the children were growing up, and that love of travel, the broadening of horizons and exposure to different cultures was a value that the children inherited and cherished. Bob Matson has established both of these funds on the 50th anniversary of his entering Lyman Briggs College as a member of its first graduating class. He does this in memory of his parents and in honor of his family's dedication to higher education and worldly experience.
I was so lucky to have attended MSU at a time when the state had the resources, and the will, to support higher education generously. Times change, but the need for higher education is more important than ever. Those of us who benefitted should do what we can to ease the tremendous burden of debt that current students have to take on.
A Conversation with the Donor
What was your goal in establishing this fund?
Part of my scholarship fund is specifically earmarked for study abroad programs. In my student days MSU didn't offer study abroad, but as an adult I came to appreciate the broadening of perspective that traveling abroad offers.
What impacted you the most from your time in Lyman Briggs College?
I loved the exposure to a wide range of disciplines that LBC coursework offered. In my career as a consultant at MSU I had the opportunity to work with faculty in virtually every department in the university. I enjoyed that experience tremendously.
What was your favorite memory of campus or Holmes Hall?
Having lived in the same Holmes Hall room for six years I have so many. In 1967 there were dress codes for meals, an 11 p.m. curfew for women, and no visiting the opposite gender's dorm wing except during rare, supervised open houses. Things changed in 1968!
Who is someone who inspires you?
My parents, which is why I set up a scholarship fund in their memory.
What was something you never expected as an alum of MSU?
As an undergrad I couldn’t have guessed that I would never leave MSU. After finishing my graduate degrees here I accepted a full time consulting position with the university, and in retirement still live just three blocks from campus.
Why is giving back to LBC important to you? What would you say to a classmate who is considering a gift of their own?
I was so lucky to have attended MSU at a time when the state had the resources, and the will, to support higher education generously. Times change, but the need for higher education is more important than ever. Those of us who benefitted should do what we can to ease the tremendous burden of debt that current students have to take on.
What is your favorite book?
I reread the Aubrey/Maturin novels of Patrick O'Brian regularly, as well as Tolkien.
What is something you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy traveling, and hope to again. I consume a couple of audiobooks each week, and do a lot of bike riding.
What is the coolest gadget that you love to use?
My Apple watch is my favorite expergefactor. I snooze my alarm by lifting my left wrist to my nose.
What is your ideal weekend afternoon?
Riding along the Lansing River Trail system, maybe followed by a stroll through Sanford Natural Area.
What is your favorite food?
During my trips to Alaska my diet consists almost exclusively of halibut and crab, or it seems that way.
What is something that is on your bucket list?
Learning how to throw things away.
What is your favorite song?
Robert Burns’ “A Man’s A Man For A’ That.” It’s 225 years old, but there couldn’t be a more important message for our time. The last stanza gives me hope.
What do you think is the world’s worst invention?
Social media, but it has its uses.
What do you think is the world’s best invention?
Writing. More recently, probably the integrated circuit.
What is the most surprising talent you have?
I find it very easy to take naps.
What is the coolest place you have traveled?
One summer while I was in Briggs I lived on Kwajalein atoll in the south Pacific, the site of a critical World War II battle. In 1969 it was, and still is, a missile test site. The juxtaposition of decaying WWII bunkers and high tech weapons facilities was sobering.
Where would you like to travel once COVID is in the past?
The Wharton Center. It’s only a 20 minute bike ride from home and I miss it terribly.
