Mike
Ranger ’80 helps keep the pace at SLU fast and strong.
Mike 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.
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.
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 which 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.”
Amazing
Alumni