The University of Michigan Ross School of Business has received a $5 million gift to provide need-based scholarship support for domestic and international business students who have blazed a trail or taken on challenges.

Through the True Grit Scholarship Fund, Ross will award partial and full-ride scholarships to current and incoming full-time master’s and bachelor’s of business administration students who have demonstrated notable determination to succeed in business and in life. Recipients may include students who are the first in their families to pursue a degree at a postsecondary institution and those who have overcome personal obstacles, served in the military or otherwise exhibited personal fortitude and resilience in staking their own path in the world.

The scholarship was named and funded by a Ross alumnus, who wishes to remain anonymous.

“Some of the most amazing people I have had the privilege to work with don’t fit molds or check predefined boxes but have, as a result, developed a determination that propels them throughout their lives,” he said. “Michigan’s commitment to public education that gives many of these people a shot is exactly what today’s world needs. I am honored to help support Ross’ effort to educate these future leaders.”

Ross School Dean Scott DeRue said “perseverance and resilience are two qualities that make exceptional students and future business leaders.”

“I’m incredibly excited to announce the new True Grit Scholarship Fund to support students who have overcome challenges to pursue their business education at Michigan Ross,” he said. “I’m also sincerely grateful to the Ross alumnus who has given this generous gift to support our students and transform people’s lives through education.”

Scholarship awardees will be selected by the Michigan Ross FTMBA and BBA program teams beginning in the fall. No applications will be required.

The scholarship is the latest significant gift that the business school has received this academic year aimed at ensuring students can pursue a world-class education no matter their financial means. It was given an additional $2.5 million gift to augment the John H. and Patricia W. Mitchell Scholarship Fund for student scholarships in business ethics and communications in October; $6 million to establish the Blau Initiative for Diversity in Real Estate and Infrastructure, which included a Related Scholars Fund in August; and $10 million to launch the Weiser Center for Real Estate and a new Weiser Scholars Fellowship in February.

More information:

• Ross School of Business