Tisch family members continue tradition of support at U-M

ANN ARBOR, Mich., July 17, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Lizzie (AB Communications 1994) and Jonathan Tisch of New York have made a five million dollar gift to the University of Michigan, continuing a long relationship and history of support begun by Jonathan's parents.

The late Preston Robert Tisch (AB Economics 1948) met his future wife, Joan, (AB English 1948) on the steps of the Hatcher Graduate Library when they were undergraduates at the University of Michigan. Their daughter Laurie graduated in 1973 from the School of Education. Over the years Joan and Bob distinguished themselves as philanthropists at the U-M by the breadth and extent of their support. 

They were the first family to have their names on academic as well as athletic buildings, as well as on a fine arts gallery–Tisch Hall and the Preston Robert Tisch Building, and the Joan and Bob Tisch Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art.  They endowed the Preston R. Tisch Professorship of Judaic Studies in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, where they also created a family scholarship. More recently the family funded the Joan and Bob Tisch Tower at Michigan Stadium.

Joan and Bob's son Jonathan and his wife Lizzie have made a generous gift of five million dollars to support students in the School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD) and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA).

Three million dollars will establish the Lizzie and Jonathan Tisch Scholarship Fund for students in SMTD, with a preference for students studying musical theatre. Two million dollars will establish the Lizzie and Jonathan Tisch Internship Fund in LSA.

In making the gift, Lizzie Tisch commented, "Jon and I are so pleased to be able to support the Victors for Michigan campaign, by offering opportunities for scholarships and internships for the talented students in the school of Music, Theatre & Dance, and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. We know that their education at the University of Michigan will help them prepare for a fulfilling and promising life upon graduation."

Their gift supports the university wide Victors for Michigan campaign which is seeking to raise four billion dollars through its three priorities:  student support, engaged learning (internships, global travel, out-of-classroom experiences), and bold ideas. 

Contact: Judy Malcolm [email protected], 734-647-7583

SOURCE University of Michigan