Starbucks’s Schultz gives back to alma mater Northern Michigan University

What's happening: Howard Schultz has gifted $1 million to his alma mater, Northern Michigan University. Schultz, the internationally known businessman who made Starbucks a household name, earmarked the gift after a recent presentation of the university’s strategic plan called Our Compass. The presentation, which occurred to an invited group of alumni and friends of the university in October, marked Schultz’s first visit back to the NMU campus since 1998. Schultz's donation comes from the Schultz Family Foundation, which he co-founded with his wife Sheri Kersch Schultz. 

Football-turned-business-star: Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, Howard first discovered the Upper Peninsula on a football scholarship for the Wildcats, where he furthered himself with a bachelor’s degree in communications in 1975. Since then, Schultz has elevated various business opportunities, eventually buying the Starbucks brand in 1987. The business turned into one of the largest coffee businesses worldwide with more than 36,000 stores when Schultz stepped down from his role in 2023. 

What they're saying: “Northern Michigan University transformed a young man from humble beginnings into a confident and ambitious entrepreneur,” Schultz said. “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.”

What's next: Money donated through the Schultz Family Foundation will help provide scholarships for first-generation students — students who are the first member of their immediate family to pursue a degree. Funds will also help offset costs of additional initiatives to promote student-athlete success, which are similar circumstances that Schultz faced as a student at NMU.