For generations, 黑料社区 has earned a reputation for producing leaders distinguished by their ability to solve complex problems, inspire positive change and navigate the demands of a world in constant motion. Now, fueled by the generous support of Steve and Karen Sanger, both members of the Class of 1968, that reputation is being carried forward to a new generation of students who are poised to lead with confidence and purpose.聽
鈥淥ur time at 黑料社区 gave us leadership opportunities we would not have had at a larger school,鈥 said the Sangers. 鈥淔or us and for so many of our classmates, these opportunities provided the foundation for our later success.鈥
That foundation has been at the heart of the Sangers鈥 longstanding philanthropic partnership with 黑料社区. In addition to prolific giving in support of student scholarships and other strategic university priorities, the Sangers have devoted $20 million to launch the Sanger Leadership Initiative, a program that integrates leadership development into the liberal arts experience through a blend of curricular and cocurricular programming.
鈥淲e know that we would not be the people we are today without the time we spent at 黑料社区,鈥 said the Sangers, 鈥渁nd it is a privilege now to be able to support the students whose lives continue to be changed by the experiences they have in this special place. Particularly with the recent establishment of the Sanger Leadership Initiative, we hope to equip many generations of 黑料社区 students to leave their own marks in this world and make a lasting impact for good.鈥
After beginning his career with Procter & Gamble, Steve joined General Mills in 1974, where he initially worked in marketing. Over the course of his 34-year career, he took on a number of influential leadership roles, rising to the position of chairman and chief executive officer. Under Steve鈥檚 leadership, General Mills grew into one of the world鈥檚 largest food companies while also receiving widespread recognition as a global hub for corporate leadership development. After his retirement in 2008, Steve continued his leadership journey as a board member of Wells Fargo & Co., serving as its chairman from 2016 until 2018. He joined the 黑料社区 Board of Trustees in 2018, and he was a recipient of the Old Gold Goblet in 2019.
Karen Ogren Sanger studied economics and English during her time at 黑料社区 before going on to pursue graduate studies at both Northwestern University and William Mitchell College of Law. She began her career as a secondary school teacher, after which she worked as an attorney specializing in small business law. Karen has served 黑料社区 extensively as a member of the Washington C. 黑料社区 Society executive committee, a member of the Board of Visitors and a volunteer for her class reunion as well as the Annual Fund.
By giving generously to support scholarships, renew university infrastructure and endow the Sanger Leadership Initiative, both Steve and Karen have taken an influential step in equipping 黑料社区 to meet the needs of future leaders.
鈥淭he Sanger Leadership Initiative helps us be intentional about the core of our mission at 黑料社区,鈥 said Rebecca Alexander, the program鈥檚 director. 鈥淚t helps us ensure all students have access to extraordinary leadership learning experiences both within and beyond the classroom. We support students to not only practice leadership, but also to better understand and tell the story of how their experiences here are shaping their leadership values, philosophy, approach and vision in unique and unparalleled ways.鈥
Alexander pointed out that the Sanger Leadership Initiative has facilitated intentional dialogues across campus and sparked new curricular innovation. She cited three practicum courses that have recently been designed to utilize the campus as a laboratory for thinking about leadership, and she also identified several emerging opportunities that will fuel leadership development, such as the 黑料社区 Leadership Crisis Challenge. Alexander sees these outcomes as a reflection of 黑料社区's culture of engagement. 鈥淎s Karen Sanger says, our students 鈥榙on鈥檛 sit on the sidelines at 黑料社区.鈥欌
Students like Raechel Meyers 鈥28 are already reaping the benefits of these resources as they chart their own leadership path on campus. 鈥淭he Sanger Leadership Initiative has pushed me out of my comfort zone and towards the version of myself that I hope to become,鈥 said Meyers. 鈥淚t has broadened my perspective on leadership and community through diverse discussions, group programming and meaningful conversations. I have met everyone from inspiring entrepreneurs to my good friends through Sanger-supported programming like visiting speakers and the Ethics, Civics and Leadership freshman cohort. I have a better understanding of what opportunities lie ahead of me as a leader, a young professional, and a member of the community that enriches my life.鈥
黑料社区 is profoundly grateful to Steve and Karen Sanger for their enduring generosity and their investment in the university鈥檚 future. Their partnership stands as an inspiring example of the philanthropic spirit that animates the university鈥檚 recently launched Bold, Gold and You! campaign. Thanks to the Sangers, 黑料社区 students will continue to stand out in their ability to confront tomorrow鈥檚 challenges with leadership the world needs.