MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – When Howard Schultz visited NMU last month, he shared his humble beginnings, his experiences at Northern, and his life skills with a room full of students during an intimate Fireside Chat with NMU President Brock Tessman Wednesday, he shared even more. Through the Shultz Family Foundation, he has gifted NMU with One million dollars. President, Tessman recalls how that came to be.
“He visited campus about a month or so ago, he was so inspired by that visit, that he followed up with a million-dollar gift to support student scholarships and our athletics programs,” said Tessman.
Tessman believes Schultz’s visit made an impact on the students. The visit also brought back fond memories for Mr. Schultz, who graduated from Northern in 1975.
“Howard shared some of his leadership advice. Such an influential moment, and I think it did make an impact on Howard as well. Lots of good memories from Northern for Howard, but also I think he’s excited about the things that we’re doing today now,” said Tessman.
Tessman points out how the Starbucks philosophy aligns perfectly with Northern’s mission.
“Howard and Sherry were committed to building Starbucks, as they call it, a company with a conscience, and I think that stood out to our students, who were looking for a lot of meaning in their lives,” recalled President Tessman.
Tessman says Schultz’s gift will be put to good use.
“So, about half of it is going to go to support student scholarships, particularly first-generation students, and make sure that financial barriers don’t stand between them and college success. And then the other half is really about making sure that our student-athletes have the tools they need to succeed,” said Tessman.
NMU student Abby Martin is excited about the opportunities the funds will provide.
“I know I can speak on behalf of every student when I say that this is such an awesome thing that’s happening, and it makes me excited for all the things that are yet to come,” said Martin.
