The generous donation will go, in part, to study how democracies emerge from authoritarian rule.
A prominent Ann Arbor couple is giving the University of Michigan a $50 Million cash infusion. Half of the donation, from Ron and Eileen Weiser, will be split between the Ross School of Business, the school of education, the University Musical Society, and student athletes. The other half will go to the Weiser Center fro Emerging Democracies.
The center studies how democracy emerges from authoritarian rule, and is directed by Anna Grzymala-Busse. Grzymala-Busse stated that the centers plans "to expand our global and thematic reach." Up until now, the center has focused on Europe and Eurasian countries, but will "now be able to devote greater collaborations across the world."
Ron Weiser is the founder and CEO of real estate giant McKinley Associates, and Eileen is an elected member of the state Board of Education. This donation brings the Weisers' giving to the U of M to nearly $96 million.
Like 89.1 WEMU on Facebook and follow us on Twitter— Andrew Cluley is the Ann Arbor beat reporter, and anchor for 89.1 WEMU News. Contact him at 734.487.3363 or email him acluley@emich.edu.
