Former Starbucks CEO, NMU alum gifts $1M to Northern
By Northern Michigan
University
MARQUETTE — After a recent visit to his alma mater, Northern Michigan University, Starbucks chairman emeritus and former CEO Howard Schultz and his wife have announced a $1 million gift to Northern through their Schultz Family Foundation.
The funding will support scholarships for first-generation students and Wildcat Athletics initiatives to promote student-athlete success. Schultz himself was a first-generation student when he enrolled at NMU on a football scholarship. Growing up in a housing project in Brooklyn, N.Y. and witnessing his parents’ struggles were meaningful motivators for his career achievements following graduation and for his family’s philanthropic commitment.
The Schultz Family Foundation invests in innovative solutions to create accessible opportunities so that every young adult, regardless of their upbringing, can realize their full potential.
“Northern Michigan University transformed a young man from humble beginnings into a confident and ambitious entrepreneur,” said Howard Schultz, co-founder of the Schultz Family Foundation. “The entire NMU community shaped who I am today and inspired me to create a company and global brand that prioritizes its people. These values were instilled in me throughout my life, particularly during my time at Northern. I hope this gift inspires the next generation to achieve remarkable things while along the way taking care of the people and communities that took care of them.”
NMU President Brock Tessman invited a small group of NMU alumni and friends to campus in October to learn more about the university’s new strategic plan, Our Compass. During his visit, Schultz hosted a “fireside chat” with students to share his NMU experience, address topics such as leadership and entrepreneurship and respond to questions.
Schultz also stopped by the Starbucks in Jamrich Hall to meet with employees and customers and toured residence halls and dining facilities. It was his first time at NMU since 1998, when he received an honorary degree and served as the keynote speaker at spring commencement.
“It was very moving to be with Howard Schultz during his return to campus and to see him connect with NMU students about the challenges and opportunities they face, and reconnect with his own Northern experience,” said Tessman. “I am sure that this gift through the Schultz Family Foundation was a direct result of the personal interactions he had on our campus. It will make a significant and positive impact on our first-generation students and student athletes and their opportunity to earn success at Northern and after graduation. I know being able to directly support our students in their achievements deeply pleases both Howard and Sheri.”