Feature: Cole Gift Supports MSU's Honors College

MSU's Honors College plans to reach the next level, assisted by the visionary gift of alumni Jeffrey and Kathryn Cole.

Simply put, the story of Jeffrey Cole, '70, is that of someone who came to Michigan State, did well, and remembered. And because he did, the tremendous surge Michigan State has enjoyed under the leadership of President Peter McPherson and Provost Lou Anna Simon will continue its momentum along a multitude of fronts. When Cole and his wife Kathryn, MBA '90, donated $3 million last fall to support of MSU's Honors College, which once harbored him as a high-achieving student, his story became more than just a personal Horatio Alger tale. Because of the many benefits he has triggered for his alma mater, it also constitutes an important milestone in the continuing saga of Michigan State University as the nation's premier land-grant institution.

Consider these effects spurred by Cole's visionary gift:

• Eustace Hall, home of Honors College, will be renovated, complete with a technology room, and become handicapper accessible. It becomes the first of the historic Circle Drive buildings to undergo major renovation as part of a longterm sweep of preservation inspired by Peter and First Lady Joanne McPherson.
• A variety of endowed scholarships will become available for high-achieving students, both for study at MSU and in MSU's burgeoning Study Abroad program, thus expanding the support currently provided by the Benschop International Enrichment Awards. To the extent that scholarship money can boost the recruitment of top students, this will enhance MSU's strategic positioning as the learning environment for students who approach learning seriously.
• The Cole gift substantially multiplies the effect of his previous gift to Honors College, which funded the Cole Visiting Lectureships as well as Visiting Professorships to attract top-notch teachers and intellectuals to MSU.

'The university is very appreciative of Jeffrey Cole's gift,' says President McPherson. 'Honor students will be further encouraged to take advantage of a variety of international study opportunities, and the new merit scholarships will help MSU attract even more high-achieving students who are invited to join the college.'

'The Honors College historically has contributed greatly to the distinction and distinctiveness of Michigan State,' adds Provost Lou Anna Simon. 'The university has worked over the last few years to significantly strengthen the Honors College. Mr. Cole's gift will have an immediate impact as well as assure the prominence of the Honors College for years to come.'

'It is especially rewarding and encouraging that Jeff Cole's own Honors College experiences have contributed to his continuing interest and support for our program,' says Ronald Fisher, professor of economics and director of the college. 'And we are excited about the opportunity presented by the renovation of Eustace Hall to attract more student academic activity to our building.'

Cole is chairperson and CEO of Ferrous Processing and Trading Company, Detroit, the largest recycling firm in Michigan, and one of the largest in the Midwest. Speaking to MSU's Board of Trustees in September, when his gift was announced, Cole invoked former MSU president Frank Kedzie, who foresaw the value of 'private bequest' for MSU at the dedication of the Olds Hall of Engineering. 'My commitment to the university is really a revival of Dr. Kedzie's prophesy,' he said to the MSU Board of Trustees last September. 'MSU might not merely serve as a place where lifelong learning might be obtained, but as a place where lifelong service might be done. People like myself are merely the newest of those standing in a long green line of support.'

One notable characteristic about Cole, as evinced from his generous giving to MSU, is the passion with which he does things--whether they relate to work, hobbies, or worthy causes. As an undergraduate, Cole became passionate about acquiring knowledge--a habit he never gave up after graduation. When he entered the metal recycling business, he dove into the highly-technological field and emerged with the field's leading operation in the midwest. Likewise with his study of Civil War history, his collection of art and books, or his hobbies, including race car building and big game hunting. 'I have a deep commitment and passionate involvement in all my activities, whether in business or in friendships,' he says, choosing his words carefully. 'I admire excellence. I focus my abilities very studiously and in depth. It's just what I did in Honors College. All of a sudden, I'm thrust into a world of Ph.D.s and high-caliber students. I was invited to join this group, and that really gave me confidence in my abilities.' That is why he wants to give back. 'You can say that Michigan State gave me an opportunity to confront my own limitations and in the process to discover the scope of my own abilities,' he explains. 'No other child in my family had attended a university. As a young man from the city, going to college was an intimidating experience. But MSU said to me, 'Son, I want you.' MSU gave me a chance, and in the next four years, taught me just how far I could spread my wings in this world.'

Cole found out quickly that he could compete with--and even outdo--those from more privileged backgrounds, especially if he obeyed his father's tenet that 'one can go as far as one wants if one is willing to work hard enough.'

A story Cole likes to tell was his acquisition of a key to Honors College from a graduating senior. 'I was a sophomore, and bought the key for $20,' he says. 'I used it for two and a half years solid. I'd go up (to the Eustace Hall Honors lounge) at 6:30 p.m. and study until late.'

After graduation, he attended Cornell Law School, where he earned his law degree in 1974 and spent the next five years practicing law in Detroit. In 1979, he had an opportunity to enter his current business, which he took. Within six years, he not only succeeded, but grew his company into the largest scrap-metal recycling operation in the state, perhaps in the Midwest, averaging a whopping 170,000 tons per month. More than half of new steel manufacturing in the U.S., notes Jeff, 'is a direct result of recycled scrap metal.'

One secret to Cole's success stems from his management philosophy, which basically is to flatten the hierarchical structure of his company to make every employee count. 'Success has to do with leadership and a person's respect for other individuals,' he explains. 'You need to put colleagues, customers, all ahead of you. Benign leadership is what I've been privileged to give.'

'You do have to have a vision of where you want to go,' says wife Kitty. 'You need to sell that vision and inspire people to march together to achieve it. That's Jeff's strength.'

Kitty and Jeff met in 1989 while she was completing her MBA program and, as president of a graduate student association, invited Jeff as a panelist in an international business symposium. 'He was a wonderful speaker,' remembers Kitty. 'Honest to God, the rest of the panelists got one question each. He had the grad students in the palm of his hands.'

Months later, she recalls, they ran into each other in Detroit. 'Our paths crossed,' she says. 'And then they really crossed.' Shortly thereafter, after building their dream log house in Milford, they got married in 1992 by the new home's fireplace.

Today, both Coles pursue their avocations, which include big game hunting in places like Alaska and Tanzania. Kitty says her particular passion is the MSU Museum (see story), specifically quilts. She has supported the Michigan Quilt Project for three years, and is an active member of the MSU Museum Development Council.