Gary Holmes donates $6 million to the Carlson School to launch new entrepreneurial initiatives MINNEAPOLIS (Feb. 23, 2007) – On the eve of national EntrepreneurshipWeek, the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota announces a gift of $6 million for the growth of the school’s entrepreneurship teaching, research and outreach programs. The gift was given by Gary Holmes, president and founder of CSM Corp., Minneapolis, who was named Minnesota Entrepreneur of the Year in September at the University of Minnesota. The Carlson School will rename its Center for Entrepreneurial Studies as the Gary S. Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship. “The future vitality of our state and our country is dependent upon innovative entrepreneurs who will grow the economy,” said Alison Davis-Blake, dean of the Carlson School of Management. “Holmes is clearly recognized as a leader in our community, a gifted businessman and a driver of change. We couldn’t be more pleased that our center for entrepreneurship will bear his name and that he chose to kick-off our fundraising with this very generous gift.” Holmes’ $6 million gift is a part of the Carlson School’s effort to secure a $9 million endowment so that the center can accomplish the following educational objectives:
“It is imperative that we invest in developing the next generation of entrepreneurs,” said Holmes, who frequently speaks to MBA classes and helps develop the school’s entrepreneurship programs. “The Carlson School can play a lead role in improving the entrepreneurial business community in Minnesota.” About entrepreneurship at the Carlson School The Center for Entrepreneurial Studies was built upon the legacy of legendary entrepreneur Curt Carlson, ’37 BA, and a subsequent leadership gift by Bob Buuck, ’70 BSB, ’72 MBA. The center leads the development and implementation of innovative entrepreneurship curriculum, including entrepreneurship courses, two experiential courses for graduate students, and an Entrepreneurship in Action course for undergraduates, in which they conceive, launch and operate a real business. The center also drives outreach activities like the Minnesota Cup, a statewide business plan competition; the Entrepreneurial Forum, which includes a speaker and panel series for alumni and the entrepreneurial business community; and 3M Seminars on Technology Commercialization, designed for graduate and doctoral students in technology and science colleges at the University of Minnesota. The center also engages the entrepreneurial business community through mentorships, internships and business hatchery programs, in which business practitioners advise students on planning and operating their own business ventures. Carlson School alumni have a major impact on local business formation and job creation. According to a 2005 alumni survey, Carlson School alumni have founded more than 1,800 Minnesota-based businesses that employ more than 110,000 people and generate annual revenues of $21.2 billion. About the Carlson School of Management ### |