Michigan Ross Alum Donates $5.4 Million To Create New Full-Ride Scholarships for MBAs Interested in Healthcare

MBA applicants with an interest in healthcare now have even more reason to choose Michigan Ross, thanks to a new scholarship program funded by Eleanor & Michael Pinkert, BSE(EE) ‘64, MBA ‘65.

The Pinkerts gifted $5.42 million to establish the Pinkert Scholars Program, which will provide full-ride scholarships each year to a select group of Ross MBA candidates who are focused on the business of healthcare and healthcare innovation.

In addition to two years of full tuition coverage, the program offers students the learning experiences, mentorship, and alumni and company connections needed to accelerate careers in the dynamic and exciting world of healthcare, whether it be healthcare delivery, technology, medical devices, insurance, or biotech.

The Pinkert Scholars Program will include:

• Full-ride scholarships for aspiring business professionals in healthcare;
• A mentoring program where each scholar is matched with an alumni executive in the healthcare field similar to the scholar’s interest, creating opportunities for one-on-one guidance and networking;
• Healthcare-specific learning experiences, ranging from the Ross School of Business’ healthcare concentration to informal lunch and learns with expert faculty from across the University of Michigan;
• New career and professional development programs, including career treks to meet with healthcare innovators and executives across the country, conferences, workshops, and other experiences designed to help scholars get ahead in their desired healthcare career.

In addition to programming specifically for the new group of scholars, the Pinkerts’ gift will create a $500,000 venture capital seed fund for healthcare start-ups, allowing students the opportunity to compete for financing to launch their ventures.   

“The intersection of health and business is an exciting, opportune place to be with so many possibilities for innovation and enterprise. We’re delighted to be able to support MBA candidates at Ross with the passion, skills, and ambition to lead in these areas,” said Michael Pinkert.

The Pinkerts’ gift will help Ross build upon an already robust set of healthcare-related educational and career development opportunities for MBA students including a Healthcare Management Concentration, a suite of healthcare-specific MAP projects each year, a special residential course on healthcare policy and politics in Washington, D.C., and more.

According to Scott DeRue, the Edward J. Frey Dean at Michigan Ross, “We are thrilled to launch this groundbreaking program thanks to the Pinkerts’ generous contribution. The Pinkert Scholars program, combined with world-class health schools and cutting-edge health research and technology across campus, make Michigan Ross the most attractive place in the world for aspiring business professionals in healthcare.”

The Pinkert Scholars Program will welcome its first cohort of students in Fall 2019.

Learn more about the Ross Full-Time MBA