Sheldon B. Lubar Makes Largest Single Donation in UWM History
Distinguished Milwaukee business leader and philanthropist Sheldon B. Lubar, founder and chairman of Lubar & Company Inc., has contributed $10 million to the UWM business school. It is the largest single donation in the University's 49-year history.
In recognition of Lubar's commitment to the University and the University of Wisconsin System, the UW System Board of Regents approved renaming the School of Business Administration in his honor. At a campus ceremony June 8, the School was formally dedicated as the Sheldon B. Lubar School of Business, and the School of Business Administration building was formally christened Lubar Hall.
Among the dignitaries present for the dedication ceremony was Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle, who praised Lubar as one of Wisconsin's greatest representatives in the business community, and someone who "stands for the very highest in business ethnics. …We pay tribute to the leadership you have brought to Wisconsin education, and your generosity and kindness."
UWM Chancellor Carlos Santiago described the $10 million gift as a "phenomenal commitment from someone who has devoted much of his life to advancing higher education in Wisconsin. Our university's dual missions of access and research will receive unparalleled support by way of this contribution. I am very appreciative to the Lubar family for supporting UWM in its mission to build our research capabilities and transfer our knowledge to the businesses that will make regional economic expansion possible."
"The gift from the Lubars has inspired and energized our students, faculty, staff and alumni," said V. Kanti Prasad, business school dean. "This breakthrough endowment will enhance student and faculty excellence, allow us to continue building 'steeples of excellence' among our faculty and forge corporate linkages. We are proud and honored to be named after this generous and visionary man on the eve of the business school's 40th anniversary."
Lubar's gift will be used to advance the School's mission in a variety of ways, including funding for new professorships and student scholarships.
"The knowledge needed by our next generation of business leaders is expanding exponentially," Lubar said. "With these new resources, UWM will be better able to prepare tomorrow's leaders for all the challenges that the new global economy presents."
Lubar's distinguished career of public service has included his work for three Presidents as assistant secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, commissioner of the Federal Housing Administration, director of the Federal National Mortgage Association and commissioner of the White House Conference on Small Business. He also served the State of Wisconsin on its Commission on Education, Commerce and Industry Task Force; University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents; and Investment Board.
Lubar serves as honorary co-chair of the Campaign for UWM. He has been an active member of the School of Business Advisory Council for more than 30 years. He is a Distinguished Director of the UWM Foundation and also served on the UWM School of Fine Arts Advisory Council. Along with his wife, Marianne, Lubar has long supported business students through the Lubar Scholars program and has funded the Sheldon Lubar Chair of Free Enterprise. In 1988, Lubar was recognized by UWM with an honorary doctoral degree in Commercial Science.
