Why
We Give
Michael Ranger '80
Trustee Emeritus Michael W. Ranger ’80 and his wife, Virginia,
have made a pledge of $1,150,000 to the next comprehensive campaign,
a leadership gift in honor of the momentum gained by the University
in its strategic plan and intended, they say, to “help keep the
pace of progress steady.”
“I
witnessed first-hand as a trustee for 11 years the positive results
of St. Lawrence's ambitious building and capital improvement plan,” said
Ranger, who served as a trustee from 1993 through 2004, when expanding
professional responsibilities prompted him to retire. Ranger
had served as chair of the Board of Trustees Budget and Finance Committee,
as secretary of the board for 1999-2001 and as vice chair for 2001-2003.
“Mike
Ranger was elected to the Board of Trustees just 13 years
after graduation, and very quickly became one of its most respected
members, someone who was able to help all of us see complex issues
more clearly so we could make decisions with confidence,” said President Daniel
F. Sullivan. “He served not only as a role model for younger
alumni. His sharp intelligence and strong commitments transcended generations
on the board and inspired all of us to reach for the highest possible
aspirations. Mike and Virginia Ranger continue to inspire us
through this exceptionally generous gift.”
The
Rangers’ gift will be used in two ways. Part of the pledge,
$1 million, will be allocated to the Michael W. Ranger and Virginia
Ray Ranger Scholarship fund, established first in 1993. The balance
of $150,000 will be used to support the annual St. Lawrence Fund over
the next several years.
“We had two reasons for adding to our scholarship,”
said Ranger. “First, a scholarship gift is an addition to the
endowment, and enhancing the endowment improves the University's financial
position and creates greater financial flexibility. Second, I benefited
from the rewards of a scholarship as a student. Without the aid of
a scholarship I would not have been able to attend St. Lawrence. I
have always felt indebted to St. Lawrence for this opportunity, and
it is my goal to pay back to the University so that current and future
students can have the advantage afforded me.”
An
investment banker, Ranger is co-founder and senior managing director
at Diamond Castle Holdings in New York City. He credits an internship
during his senior year as the start of his career.
“As
a government major I thought I would go to law school, but
my internship led me to Wall Street,” he explained. “I received
my first job through on-campus recruiting and began a bank training
program. Later in my career with investment banking and private equity
investing, I utilized my St. Lawrence education to evaluate the bigger
picture and seek creative solutions.” He led, for example,
the restructuring and recapitalization of Niagara Mohawk and the
turn-around of TXU Corp., two creative solutions made possible through
his critical thinking skills.
