A $4.3 million gift to the University of Michigan Ross School of Business will go toward improving math proficiency. In particular, $1 million of the contribution from alum Mike Jandernoa (BBA ’72) and his wife Sue will be used to establish a new need-based scholarship fund for Michigan Ross undergraduate students.
When speaking about the donation and the new scholarship fund, Dean Scott DeRue said in a press release that it would have an impact on gifted students. “The Ross School aspires to develop business leaders who will challenge the present and enrich the future for the benefit of all,” he said. “This very generous commitment from the Jandernoas helps to ensure that the most talented students—regardless of financial means—are able to achieve this aspiration.” 
The remaining $3 million of the gift will go toward expanding fellowships at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy and a partnership between the University of Michigan and Michigan children. Specifically, it will benefit Teaching Works at the School of Education, which is a partnership in Grand Rapids focused on preparing and coaching mathematics teachers. TeachingWorks is a national organization that’s dedicated to improving the quality of entry-level teachers and thus learning in the classroom.
The goal of the $3 million is to help better prepare Michigan teachers for their roles and, at the same time, to improve the mathematics learning and capabilities of Michigan students. The hope is that this focus will ultimately lead to more quality jobs in the area.
“The Jandernoas’ continued and unparalleled support—and their insightful and wise engagement with and guidance of our partnership—will enable TeachingWorks to transform the quality of elementary mathematics teaching in Grand Rapids,” said Deborah Loewenberg Ball, TeachingWorks director and professor of education.
And the Jandernoa’s most recent donation hasn’t been their only commitment to the school. In the past, they’ve been very involved volunteering at the University of Michigan, and their earlier donations in support of athletics, financial aid, and the Medical School have added up to more than $10.4 million.
To recognize the Jandernoa’s many contributions, in 2007, the school presented Mike Jandernoa with their highest honor for donors and volunteers—the David B. Hermelin Award for Fundraising Volunteer Leadership.
To learn more about the Jandernoa’s and how they’ve contributed to the school, visit the University of Michigan website.
