GE Exec Gives Major Gift to Michigan Tech
DEARBORN--John Opie, who graduated from Michigan Technological University in 1961, and his wife Ruanne have donated one of the largest gifts--$3.6 million--that the University has ever received from an individual donor.
"This gift is our contribution to the capital campaign and the continual improvement of Michigan Tech," Opie said. "I really want to give back to Tech and in some way repay them for what they gave me." Opie, 61, is vice chairman and executive officer of General Electric Co., where he has spent his entire career.
A native of Detroit, he earned a bachelor of science degree in metallurgical engineering from MTU, located in Houghton. The gift was announced at the semi-annual meeting of the Michigan Tech Fund Board of Trustees in Dearborn.
Michigan Tech has launched a capital campaign to raise $100 million over the next five years. Dick Robbins, an MTU alumnus serving as national campaign chair said: "John and Ruanne Opie's gift provides us tremendous momentum as we enter our campaign. This transformational gift will greatly enhance the University's ability to continue to attract quality faculty and students.
"John Opie has shown his commitment to Michigan Tech since the day he graduated, with many forms of service. He believes in Tech and he believes in higher education."
Opie is confident that the University's $100-million capital campaign will be successful, and he hopes his gift spurs others to support the effort. "All together we can make it work," he said. Opie's gift is just one of many that he and his wife have made since his graduation. His involvement with the University has been extensive. He was vice chair of Tech's 1983-87 capital campaign. He was a trustee of the Michigan Tech Fund for thirteen years and president for two years. He has received Tech's Board of Control Silver Medal, has been named a distinguished alumnus, received an honorary doctorate degree, and has been commencement speaker.
Besides his and his wife's personal giving, Opie also has arranged for several gifts from GE to the University.
Michigan Tech is in the early stages of its "Leaders for Innovation" campaign to attract $100 million in private gifts. The five-year effort will fund student scholarships, faculty endowments, information technology enhancements, and other critical needs.
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