Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business announced on Apr. 7 a $17 million donation from The Stan Lucas Trust, marking the largest philanthropic gift in the college’s history. The funds will support Experience-Driven Learning initiatives, including hands-on opportunities, interdisciplinary collaboration, and technological innovation.
The university said this contribution is expected to benefit students for generations by enhancing active learning experiences that prepare them for leadership roles in a changing global economy. Dr. Satish Deshpande, dean of the Haworth College of Business, said, “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.” He added gratitude toward alumnus Dan Grady and The Stan Lucas Trust for their support.
Dan Grady, co-trustee for The Stan Lucas Trust and a 1983 graduate of Western Michigan University (WMU), played a key role in directing this bequest to WMU Haworth after connecting with students involved in TechNext—an immersive program introducing students to leaders in emerging industries. Grady reflected on his own experience at WMU: “What is special about my time at Western is the way I felt while I was there… it is the experience at Western that I remember and cherish.” He described how project-based work during his studies helped build teamwork and leadership skills foundational to his banking career.
WMU President Russ Kavalhuna said, “This extraordinary act of generosity to the Haworth College of Business is both humbling and inspiring… 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.” Grady explained that donor Stan Lucas wanted his legacy used for higher education at state schools where resources could make significant impacts: “He allowed the trustees of his estate to decide which school would be the beneficiary… This is my way to repay the University for all I received.”
Stan Lucas was known as an entrepreneur who started multiple ventures including automotive engineering firms specializing in antique car parts as well as real estate development projects across California and Nevada. According to Deshpande, “This gift is an incredible vote of confidence in our approach to teaching and the value of a WMU Haworth degree.” Initiatives funded by this donation will include innovation-focused programming tied to Silicon Valley, entrepreneurship programs supporting student startups, curriculum development around free markets principles, expanded financial literacy education, and enhanced career readiness resources.
The Haworth College currently serves nearly 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students across 16 specialized majors with strong outcomes—97% are employed or pursuing further education soon after graduation; almost all report engaging instructors; most participate in Experience-Driven Learning programs.
Western Michigan University fields 16 Division I varsity sports as part of its membership with Mid-American Conference according to its official website. The university supports inclusive excellence for all students according to its official website and promotes sustainability through LEED-certified buildings along with award-winning landscaping according to its official website. It has earned top-100 national rankings for several graduate programs according to its official website, enrolls more than 17,000 students according to its official website, and emphasizes learner-focused education grounded by research orientation on a global scale according to its official website.
