Sandy Robertson, BBA ’53, MBA ’54, Leaves a Legacy at Ross & Beyond
Sanford (“Sandy”) Robertson, BBA ’53, MBA ’54, an innovator in banking and technology, a trusted advisor to the University of Michigan, and one of the most generous supporters of the Ross School of Business and the university at large, died peacefully on August 3 in Dallas, TX with his wife Nancy and other loved ones by his side. He was 93.
“Sandy was a visionary entrepreneur, and I am grateful to have had him as a friend and advisor,” said Sharon F. Matusik, the Edward J. Frey Dean of Business at Michigan Ross. “His steadfast commitment to innovation left an indelible mark on the business world, and his unwavering and historic support of Ross has truly made an impact that will live on for generations.”
Born in Chicago, IL, Robertson was a co-founder and partner emeritus at Francisco Partners, a $2.5 billion technology buyout fund. Before establishing Francisco Partners in 1999, Roberston was the founder and chairman of Robertson, Stephens & Company, a leading technology investment bank formed in 1978 and sold to BankAmerica in 1998. Robertson's impact on the technology industry was further solidified with the founding of Robertson, Coleman, Siebel & Weisel, later renamed Montgomery Securities, another prominent technology investment bank.
Throughout his illustrious career, Robertson was involved in the financing of more than 500 growth technology companies, including notable names such as 3Com Corporation, America Online Inc., Applied Materials, Inc., Ascend Communications Inc., Dell Computer Corporation, Siebel Systems, Inc., and Sun Microsystems. His expertise and vision have been instrumental in shaping the modern technology landscape.
In addition to his professional achievements, Robertson was a dedicated philanthropist. His lifetime giving to the U-M totaled $18.8 million, $10 million of which was to Michigan Ross.
Sandy helped to shape the Ross School of Business for more than 20 years. You look around our school, and Sandy’s legacy is everywhere: in the state-of-the-art Robertson Auditorium, the stunning horse sculptures by artist Deborah Butterfield, an endowed assistant professorship, graduate scholarships, and much more.
Robertson was also a dedicated volunteer, having served on the Board of Directors of several esteemed organizations, including Dolby Laboratories, Pain Therapeutics, and Salesforce.com. At the university, he was an active member of the Investment Advisory Committee, the President’s Advisory Group, and the Think Tank Committee of the University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA).
He served on the Victors for Michigan Steering Committee from 2013 to 2018, the Campaign for Michigan Steering Committee from 1991 to 1997, the Business School Development Advisory Board in 1991, the Business School Growth Fund in 1990, and the Campaign for Michigan National Committee in 1987.
With his uncanny ability to see opportunities of the future, a philanthropic spirit, and a deep passion for the power of education, Robertson's legacy will continue to inspire future generations of business leaders and entrepreneurs, particularly those who hail from Ross.
Matthew Trevor, Senior PR Specialist
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