Western Michigan University's Haworth College of Business has received a transformative $17 million donation, the largest gift in the school's history. The funds will support experience-driven learning initiatives including financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship programs, as well as innovation-focused programming in Silicon Valley.

The donation comes from The Stan Lucas Trust, which is the estate of California commercial real estate developer Stanley H. Lucas who passed away in January 2025. Lucas had no prior affiliation with WMU, but the gift demonstrates the Haworth College's strong reputation and ability to attract support from across the country.

Alumni Connection Leads to Record Donation

Dan Grady, a 1983 WMU business graduate and co-trustee of The Stan Lucas Trust, made the connection that led to the record gift. Grady, who began his time at WMU as a football coach before earning a B.B.A. degree, was inspired by the school's TechNext program that immerses students in Silicon Valley innovation.

"When I was looking for a college or university to be the beneficiary of funds from The Stan Lucas Trust, WMU Haworth was top of mind," Grady said. "I know Stan would support this decision to bequest funds to Western's Haworth Business College. He trusted my judgment, respected my work ethic, and believed deeply in supporting state sponsored institutions."

Grady's connection to WMU runs deep. His older brother earned an engineering degree from the university the first in their family to graduate from college, and Grady attended WMU after a summer visit with his brother and sister-in-law left him "hooked."

During his time at WMU, Grady earned a scholarship for athletics and developed strong leadership skills that paved the way for a 40-year career in banking. He recalled a capstone project where he and his team had to create a business plan including a full financial plan.

"I remember a capstone project where we had to create a business plan, including a full financial plan," Grady said. "In that process, I learned teamwork and leadership; it was a great foundation for leading people in my banking career."

What The Money Will Support

The $17 million gift will fund several key initiatives at the Haworth College of Business, which serves 2,500 undergraduate students across 16 different majors as well as 300 graduate students.

Haworth College of Business Dean Dr. Satish Deshpande said the funds will support:

• Innovation-focused programming in Silicon Valley through TechNext
• Expanded resources for student-led startups
• Curriculum development in free markets, capitalism and entrepreneurial principles
• Increased financial literacy education
• Enhanced opportunities for student career readiness and professional communication
• Scholastic programs for first-generation students
• Dual-enrollment opportunities

"This extraordinary act of generosity to the Haworth College of Business is both humbling and inspiring," WMU President Russ Kavalhuna said. "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."

The total donation is expected to grow to $20-21 million as more of Lucas' properties are sold.

A Gift That Will Last Generations

Grady, who first met Lucas when his bank referred Lucas to him for private banking services, said the California developer was "funny and insightful" and that he viewed getting to know Lucas as an opportunity to educate himself on various topics.

Gaining Lucas' confidence proved challenging but worth it, according to Grady.

"Stan was funny and insightful," Grady said. "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."

Lucas allowed the trustees of his estate to decide which school would be the beneficiary of his $600 million bequest, and Grady 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," Grady said.

The gift positions the Haworth College to design impactful experiences that engage students in active learning opportunities that give them the skills, confidence and knowledge to lead and thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.

"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," Kavalhuna said.

The announcement was made on April 7, 2026, at a packed gift celebration event at WMU that drew standing room only.