Kevin Ozan, BBA ’85, Establishes $3M Undergrad Scholarship at Ross
Tuition affordability can be a challenge for out-of-state students at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business (who pay a higher tuition rate). However, a new donor-funded undergraduate scholarship will help ease financial challenges for select students starting with the 2023–2024 Academic Year.
Kevin Ozan, BBA ’85, former Chief Financial Officer of McDonald’s Corporation of Chicago, recently made a $3 million gift to Michigan Ross to establish the Kevin M. Ozan Scholarship, which will provide scholarship support for eligible undergraduate students whose permanent residence is outside of the State of Michigan.
We recently reached out to Kevin about what inspired him to establish this new scholarship at Ross — and about the impact he hopes it will have moving forward.
What inspired you to establish the Kevin M. Ozan Scholarship for out-of-state undergraduate students at Ross School of Business?
I enrolled at U-M after growing up in Ohio, and I know that it’s often cost-prohibitive for some highly qualified, non-resident candidates to study at the school. I’ve been extremely fortunate in my life and career to have benefited from many valuable experiences. I consider my undergraduate time at the Ross School of Business to be one of those significant experiences.
I know that my credentials from U-M have contributed to my career success, and this scholarship represents my thanks and appreciation for what the university has provided to me. It’s also an opportunity to pay it forward and invest in future generations.
How has your Michigan education impacted your life and career?
I have always proudly displayed my degree from U-M on my resume, bio, LinkedIn profile, and in describing my background and experience in interviews and discussions. I know this brings instant credibility to my educational background, which has assisted me with gaining important career opportunities.
What long-term impact do you hope to have through your scholarship at the school?
I hope to enable some highly-qualified and well-deserving, non-resident scholars, who may not have otherwise been able to attend U-M because of financial constraints, the opportunity to both enjoy and thrive throughout the experience of attending the Ross School of Business. I look forward to those students significantly contributing to the success of the school and the school, in turn, contributing to the future success of those students.
Kevin Ozan’s generous gift will count toward Foundations for Success, Michigan Ross' ambitious fundraising initiative to raise $200 million for student scholarships and learning experiences at Ross.