WMU business college receives largest philanthropic gift in its history
A $17 million gift was announced from The Stan Lucas Trust. The gift will support innovation-focused programming in Silicon Valley; expanded resources for student-led startups; curriculum development in free markets, capitalism and entrepreneurial principles; increased financial literacy education; and enhanced opportunities for student career readiness and professional communication.
President Kavalhuna speaks with Dan Grady, co-trustee of The Stan Lucas Trust.
President Kavalhuna thanks Dan Grady for his story, connection and direction of the transformational gift.
Dan Grady addresses the crowd at WMU Haworth and shares his own story of Bronco connection and the importance of relationships.
Dr. Satish Desphande addresses a packed room at WMU Haworth for the gift announcement.
The audience listens at the gift announcement at the Haworth College of Business, where there was standing room only.
Dick and Matthew Haworth, alongside other dignitaries, celebrate the announcement of a $17 million gift from The Stan Lucas Trust.
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business has announced a transformative $17 million gift from The Stan Lucas Trust, which will fund Experience-Driven Learning initiatives through hands-on opportunities, interdisciplinary collaboration and technological innovation.
“This generous gift positions the college to design impactful experiences that engage students in the types of active learning opportunities that give them the skills, confidence and knowledge to lead and thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy,” says Dr. Satish Deshpande, dean of the Haworth College of Business. “This gift will provide support for generations of business leaders who will positively influence both the business world and the world at large in significant ways. We are so grateful to alumnus Dan Grady and The Stan Lucas Trust for this phenomenal gift.”
Though Stan Lucas had no ties to Western, a love for the University and the connection between alumni and students are what led to the largest gift in the college’s history.
Dan Grady, B.B.A.’83, co-trustee for The Stan Lucas Trust, attended a reception with WMU students participating in TechNext, an immersive experience led by management faculty member Barcley Johnson that takes students to Silicon Valley and introduces them to thought leaders in emerging industries. Grady’s connection to the TechNext students and fellow local alumni, as well as hearing Dean Deshpande’s vision for the college, put WMU Haworth top of mind when Grady was looking for a college or university to be the beneficiary of funds from The Stan Lucas Trust.
Grady decided to attend WMU midway through high school. His older brother earned a degree in engineering from Western—the first in their family to graduate from college—and he strongly encouraged Grady to pursue his own college degree. After a summer visit with his brother and sister-in-law, who lived in married housing, Grady was hooked and eventually found himself making the trek to East Campus to attend his business courses. A talented football player and coach, he earned a scholarship for athletics. During his senior year, the project-based work in the business college, paired with leadership skills developed on the football field, positioned him for a successful career.
“I remember a capstone project where we had to create a business plan, including a full financial plan,” says Grady. “In that process, I learned teamwork and leadership; it was a great foundation for leading people in my banking career. In that project, we all had to work together to be successful. I even recall the business—a dry cleaner’s.”
Grady proposed to his group that they present this final project around a conference room table, which would be much more realistic than from a podium. His professor applauded the novel approach, and Grady’s early instincts in business paved the way for a 40-year career in banking.
“What is special about my time at Western is the way I felt while I was there,” says Grady. “We had small classes with professors you could always approach for help. My walks to East Campus are among my favorite memories. While specific courses have faded in my memory, it is the experience at Western that I remember and cherish.”
Experiences like Grady’s underscore the lasting value of a Western education.
“This extraordinary act of generosity to the Haworth College of Business is both humbling and inspiring,” says WMU President Russ Kavalhuna. “That someone with no direct ties to the University would choose to invest in students speaks volumes about the important role state and regional universities play in expanding opportunity. We are equally inspired by the generosity of Mr. Grady, whose own experience as a Bronco alumnus reinforces the power of WMU’s experience-driven education.”
That sense of purpose and giving back is rooted in the donor’s original intent.
“Stan Lucas wanted to support higher education and had an affinity for state schools, knowing that there is a real need for resources and that this bequest could be significant in helping students access an excellent education,” says Grady. “He allowed the trustees of his estate to decide which school would be the beneficiary of this bequest, and I advocated for WMU Haworth. This is my way to repay the University for all I received and to make an impact at a place that has been so dear to me throughout my life.”
What is special about my time at Western is the way I felt while I was there. While specific courses have faded in my memory, it is the experience at Western that I remember and cherish.”
Earning trust
Grady first met Stan Lucas when his bank referred Lucas to him for private banking services. Throughout the years, Grady found Lucas to be brilliant and challenging. “Stan was funny and insightful,” says Grady. “I viewed getting to know Stan and his business as an opportunity to educate myself on various topics and knew it would take considerable effort to gain his trust.”
Gaining his confidence proved to be challenging but worth it. Grady and Lucas developed a mutual respect, and Grady stayed in contact with Lucas after their client relationship ended, seeing him regularly and eventually moving into the role of valued advisor, friend and co-trustee of The Stan Lucas Trust.
Grady was honored to help Lucas carry out his last wishes and knew he could place their trust in WMU Haworth to steward this gift well.
“This gift is an incredible vote of confidence in our approach to teaching and the value of a WMU Haworth degree,” says Deshpande. “The college empowers each student to create a compelling portfolio of experiences that prepares them for the workforce. We also emphasize integrity, innovation and ethical judgement in business with a focus on driving sustainable prosperity for individuals and communities.”
The gift at a glance
The $17 million gift will advance strategic initiatives that center on Experience-Driven Learning, including:
- Innovation-focused programming in Silicon Valley.
- Entrepreneurship programs and expanded resources for student-led startups.
- Curriculum development in free markets, capitalism and entrepreneurial principles.
- Increased financial literacy education and programs that focus on economic understanding.
- Enhanced opportunities for student career readiness and professional communication.
This gift is an incredible vote of confidence in our approach to teaching and the value of a WMU Haworth degree.”
Stan Lucas
A serial entrepreneur, the late Stan Lucas grew up on a farm in California. The quiet, headstrong middle child in his family, Lucas attended UC Berkeley, graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering. After graduation, he traveled to New Zealand, worked briefly in the defense industry, and taught physics and math at Pacific States University. Ultimately, he found his calling as an entrepreneur.
He had a variety of ventures throughout the years, from a coin laundry business to an antique mall.
He started Lucas Automotive Engineering in 1957, making explosion whistles and steering wheels for early Fords. The company eventually manufactured hard-to-find tires for antique car collectors worldwide. Lucas’ team also specialized in acquiring and restoring steam-powered vehicles. The business was a perfect marriage of Lucas’ enterprising spirit and his personal passion for collecting planes, trains and automobiles.
In 1976, Lucas began acquiring industrial real estate in Southern California. He then expanded into the design, construction and management of multi-tenant buildings. Most recently, he began developing housing communities in northern Nevada, with plans to add 5,200 homes, roads and commercial buildings in the region.
Haworth College of Business
Home to nearly 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students, the Haworth College of Business has 16 specialized majors and several graduate programs. Known for its industry-aligned curriculum, the college has excellent career and learning outcomes for its graduates, including:
- 97% of WMU Haworth undergraduate students are working or continuing their education quickly after earning their degree.
- 99% of WMU Haworth undergraduate students had instructors who made them excited about learning.
- 97% of WMU Haworth undergraduate students participated in Experience-Driven Learning.
Learn more about the Haworth College of Business. If you are interested in how you can support the college through charitable giving, contact DeNel Stoltz.
For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.