Photo: Alumnus and CEO Steve Klotz, second from left, with College of Business students on campus. (Photo provided by Eastern Michigan University)
One Grand Rapids-based CEO is ensuring his alma mater is equipped with the resources needed to soar like an eagle.
The business students at Eastern Michigan University received a surprise from Stephen J. Klotz, a Michigan CEO and alumnus of the university, in the form of a major financial contribution and the establishing of a brand new learning center.
Klotz, who has over 20 years in the business sector, gifted $1 million dollars to EMU’s College of Business to create the Stephen J. Klotz Financial Learning Center. Believing education to be the entity that helps to elevate, Klotz gave the donation to help the future business leaders of America.
“Eastern Michigan University equipped me with the tools to be successful in life,” says Klotz. “We’re born with relatively similar skills and abilities; it’s education that makes the difference.”
Graduating from the university in 1977, Klotz received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree and began his career with Touche Ross, who became Deloitte in 1996. He went on to work at Huizenga Group housed in Grand Rapids where he now serves as the President and CEO.
In addition to his role as Huizenga’s CEO, Klotz also serves on the Executive Advisory Board for the College of Business. His investment in the college speaks to his dedication to the school and its students.
“Business leaders such as Steve Klotz make an invaluable impact on Eastern Michigan University. This gift will go a long way to paving the way for the success of current and future students – and the development of future business leaders. We are so grateful for his gift, and for his strong support of his alma mater,” says EMU’s President, James Smith.
Klotz was also honored by President Smith, the Dean of the College of Business, Kenneth Lord, as well as College of Business faculty member Dr. Karen Craig, and staff member Cheryl Kernander during his recent visit to Eastern Michigan’s campus. Eastern Michigan University
students and faculty were able to come together at the temporary location of the learning center for an opportunity to thank and speak with Klotz about his experience at EMU after the event.
“Mr. Klotz’s gift, one of the largest ever received by the College of Business, will both enable us to transform the center, temporarily housed in the Halle Library, into a vibrant, state-of-the-art, defining College of Business destination when we move into our soon-to-be-determined permanent on-campus home,” said Ken Lord, dean of the College of Business. “It will also help to sustain the annual costs of the center’s technology.”
The $1 million dollar contribution is a part of the university’s current comprehensive fundraising campaign, Rise: The Campaign for Eastern Michigan University. With a $100 million-dollar goal, the university has been able to raise $91 million dollars to help aid in student’s success and advance the university’s programs and facilities. Launched in March 2021, Give Rise is Eastern Michigan’s largest campaign goal to date.
Give Rise will provide students with merit and need-based scholarships who are enrolled into EMU’s Programs of Distinction. It will also work towards advancing students beyond the classroom and provide support to both students and faculty for new learning projects, experiential learning scholarships and study abroad opportunities.
As the second oldest public university in Michigan, Eastern Michigan services roughly 16,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral, and certificate degrees.
