Meet Our Donors

Retired Professor Remembers Wayne State Students in Her Will

Wayne State University has received a $5 million bequest from the estate of Tamara van den Bergh Ferguson, who served as adjunct associate professor of sociology at Wayne State’s School of Medicine for three decades.

Six Decades of Giving

For the past six decades, Dr. Peter and Karen Frade have dedicated themselves to teaching and learning at Wayne State.

Funding Education, One Student at a Time

David and Sandra Smith wanted to help eliminate financial barriers for students pursing a degree in education. Through a planned gift, they are able to fund a scholarship program and empower future educators.

Alumnus Vinay (Vince) Khanna cherishes the time he spent in Wayne State University’s MBA Program and his collegiate experiences. He recently chose to leave a legacy and give back to Wayne State as a way to say thanks.

Steven Kowalik ’78, M.L.I.S. ’81
Estate Gift

Steven Kowalik will always remember the support he received as a student at Wayne State University. "I wouldn't be who I am today without the assistance I got from Wayne State," he said.

Alumna’s Gift Supports Culture in Detroit Through WDET & Hilberry Theatre

If home is where the heart is, then Susan Couch's heart is in Detroit. Knowing the cultural impact of Wayne State's WDET and Hilberry Theatre on the city, her legacy gift ensures her support for years to come.

Marion Ringe '70, M.A. '77
Endowed Scholarship

"I knew I wanted to do something significant, something lasting, and that's when my major philanthropy started at Wayne State."

Distinguished Professor Leaves His Legacy to Support Engineering

College of Engineering Distinguished Professor Emeritus Dr. Albert King impacted countless students during his more than six-decade career. Through his planned gifts to the university, he’ll be able to impact even more well beyond his lifetime.

Professor Creates Her Legacy of Opportunity for Future Students

Dr. Geralyn Stephens forged a lifelong friendship with Professor Lola V. Jackson before becoming a professor herself. See how she is ensuring her beliefs and support for the university continue with a gift that will live forever.

Wayne State Legacy Inspires Harry and Belle Elkiss Scholarships in Pharmacy

Terry H. Elkiss ’69 always felt that Wayne State University was pivotal in his family’s life history. His parents, Harry and Belle Elkiss, met and fell in love as students in what was then known as the College of Pharmacy.

Vera Fay Righthand
Estate Gift

Vera Fay Righthand made a big impact at WSU studying tiny things. Now she's made another huge difference with her estate.

Dr. Frank R. Baumgartner
Gift of Retirement Plan Assets

Years ago my mother asked for donations to the scholarship she had created at the Wayne State University School of Social Work in lieu of birthday and Christmas gifts.

Alumna's Love for Wayne State Reflected in Impactful Estate Gift

Betty Jane Neitzel surprised Wayne State's psychology department by including a gift of more than $700,000.

Alumna Who Received a Scholarship Now Gives Back in Her Daughter's Memory

"I'm fairly certain that if Wayne State had not given me the Board of Governors Scholarship, I would never have completed my undergraduate degree...Any extra money I have is going to Wayne State, where it is needed and can help do more good."

Elizabeth Buc
Beneficiary of IRA/Retirement Plan

“Although I attended three separate universities, my support goes to Wayne State because of the impact it has had on my career, the relationships with faculty and others that were formed, and the important educational role it will continue to play for future students.”

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Mildred Kaye
Endowed Scholarship

“I have greatly enjoyed meeting the students who receive scholarships from our fund. I recommend that everyone consider creating an endowed scholarship fund!”

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Marie A. Tront
Trust Beneficiary

“Attending Wayne State was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I want to be sure that the intellectual stimulation of an urban university is there for future generations. By naming Wayne State in my trust, I can make a larger gift than I would be able to by check.”

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Mel Janowitz
Lifetime Income

“I am a strong believer in charitable gift annuities as a pension supplement. I have two at Wayne. The interest rate is many times what I can get elsewhere, and it is only partially taxable. With a CGA to Wayne State, I can arrange for the money to be used to help needy students, support research endeavors, or help fill other needs.”

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