W. Bruce Erickson helped both students and faculty members realize their goals through his generous gifts to the Michigan State University College of Education, providing funding for scholarships and a distinguished chair in Higher, Adult and Lifelong Education (HALE).
Bruce Erickson was the son of former MSU Provost Clifford Erickson -- the College of Education's first dean -- and Mildred Erickson, who went on to become a leader in Lifelong Education at the university. He was a three-time graduate of MSU and a successful economist and entrepreneur.
He died on June 3, 2012 after a long illness.
The Mildred B. Erickson Distinguished Chair in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education, which Bruce Erickson established in 2003, provides resources to advance the work of HALE professors who hold the position over three years. He created the program to honor his mother's commitment to helping non-traditional students, and particularly women, achieve success in higher education. Three professors have served as the Erickson Chair including Ann Austin, James Fairweather and (currently) John Dirkx.
Through his estate, Dr. Erickson has laid the groundwork to establish two additional chairs, in education and economics, at MSU. His existing and planned gifts to the university total more than $7 million, including funds for the Clifford Erickson Memorial Scholarship and the Mildred B. Erickson Fellowship.
Bruce Erickson was named Teacher of the Year five times while serving on the faculty of the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. He was considered an expert in anti-trust law and venture capital. Read more in the Carlson School News.