Graham Family Commits Multi-Million Dollar Gift in Support of Michigan Athletics Career Center
7/7/2025 2:00:00 PM | General
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Michigan Athletics announced on Monday (July 7) a multi-million dollar gift from longtime University of Michigan philanthropist and College of Engineering alumnus Donald C. Graham (B.S., 1955, M.S., 1956, D.Eng.Hon. 2009). In recognition of this donation, the Michigan Athletics Career Center will be named the Graham Family Athletic Career Center. Additionally, the director of the career center will be named the Graham Family Director.
Approximately 80 percent of the gift will be used to establish the endowed Graham Family Athletic Career Center Program Fund in support of career preparation, personal development and citizenship for student-athletes and alumni. In coordination with the U-M Alumni Association, an alumni employment assistance program will also be instituted. The endowment ensures support of these critical opportunities for years to come. The balance of Mr. Graham's gift will be used to establish an expendable fund to be used as a companion fund for the same purposes as the endowment, but are accessible immediately.
"Don Graham's impact can be felt and seen throughout our university," said Warde Manuel, the Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics. "His generosity truly shows his commitment to the values and goals of our institution, and athletics is proud and grateful to have him as part of our family. We certainly could not accomplish much of what we do without his partnership. This incredible gift will open doors for current and former student-athletes, supercharging their career opportunities by forging strong, lifelong connections with Michigan alumni around the world, ensuring a legacy of success and support for generations to come."
Graham's prior philanthropy within Michigan Athletics has been recognized with the naming of two coaching positions: the Graham Family Head Ice Hockey Coach and Donald C. Graham Football Offensive Line Coach. He and his wife have also endowed the Donald C. & Ingrid A. Graham Football Scholarship and Donald C. & Ingrid A. Graham Hockey Scholarship.
"This latest gift to the Graham Career Center will provide funding for several expanded services, including launching a new lifelong employment support program for all alumni student-athletes, male or female, through their entire working careers," said Graham, a two-time graduate of U-M's College of Engineering. "We will be working closely with the alumni association and local chapters to bring this initiative to life. It's imperative to prepare for life after athletics and this will help set them up for success."
"This gift is a meaningful investment in the future of our student-athletes and the mission of the career center," said Maurice Washington, Graham Family Director of the Graham Family Athletic Career Center. "It will allow us to continue providing comprehensive and transformative experiences that enhance both the personal and professional development of our student-athletes. Because of the Grahams' generosity, we can create more opportunities for global engagement and build relationships that support a lifetime of success. Thank you for believing in our vision and for playing a vital role in shaping the next generation of leaders."
The Graham family has long supported the University in numerous ways. He and his wife, Ingrid, are members of Team One as major contributors to athletics' Victors for Michigan capital campaign. U-M's Graham Sustainability Institute honors their support of interdisciplinary sustainability research, education and engagement efforts. The prestigious Donald C. Graham Professorship of Engineering is awarded to faculty who demonstrate excellence in research, leadership and service to the scientific community; in addition, the Grahams have generously supported the Nanotechnology Labs in the College of Engineering. Among others, the School for Environment and Sustainability, the botanical gardens and arboretum and U-M Medical School have also been beneficiaries of his generosity. Don has also served over 20 years on both the College of Engineering National Advisory Committee and the President's Advisory Board.
