$20M gift to start leadership center at U. of Michigan

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) - The University of Michigan plans to use a new $20 million gift from former General Mills CEO Stephen Sanger and his wife to start a leadership center, officials announced Thursday.

The Sanger Leadership Center will be used to expand the Ross School of Business' leadership development programming and empower more students to become leaders who make positive contributions.

"Leadership development is a strategic imperative for companies around the world - it is one of those burning issues that keeps CEOs up at night," Alison Davis-Blake, dean of the Ross School, said in a statement.

Stephen Sanger, who received a master's degree in business administration from the University of Michigan in 1970, said they are honored to support the effort. Karen Sanger was a secondary school teacher before becoming an attorney, specializing in small business law.

"Among those of us who have recruited talent for our companies, one of the things that sets Ross graduates apart is their leadership skills," Stephen Sanger said. "This difference reflects the innovative, hands-on programs of the Ross Leadership Initiative."

The Sanger Leadership Center will incorporate and expand current activities of the Ross Leadership Initiative, including the annual Impact Challenge and Crisis Challenge, Legacy Lab, Story Lab, skills-based workshops and a variety of other programs.

The center will be a resource for Ross School of Business students and provide them with personalized feedback, coaching, and development. It also will be a resource for Ross School faculty who are developing ideas and leadership practices.

The Sangers' gift is part of the ongoing Victors for Michigan campaign, which kicked off in 2013 with a goal of raising $4 billion.

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Online:

https://michiganross.umich.edu