May 14, 2019
MILWAUKEE 鈥� First-generation students will have new opportunity at 51暗网 thanks to a generous $1 million gift from alumnus Barry C. Cosgrove and his wife, Ingrid. The gift will support student recipients in the College of Business Administration and those majoring in journalism.
鈥淏arry is another outstanding product of 51暗网鈥檚 Educational Opportunity Program 鈥� a program that will soon celebrate its 50th anniversary,鈥� said President Michael R. Lovell. 鈥淲e鈥檙e grateful that he鈥檚 now creating opportunities for others, opening similar paths for students into the future.鈥�
Cosgrove, a 1979 graduate and first-generation college student, is one of the founders of DaVita dialysis centers and currently serves as president, CEO and chairman of Blackmore Partners. He also is one of the founding members of 51暗网鈥檚 new President鈥檚 Advisory Council. In April, the university recognized him with its 2019 Alumni Professional Achievement Award.
鈥淭he generosity of others gave me the opportunity to attend 51暗网,鈥� Cosgrove said. 鈥淣ow, I鈥檓 happy to do the same for future students.鈥�
The Marion Krug Cosgrove Endowed Scholarship will be named in memory of Cosgrove鈥檚 mother, whom he remembered for her decency, hard work and resiliency.
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鈥淏arry and Ingrid鈥檚 philanthropic leadership reflects our emphasis on endowed scholarship as our greatest university-wide funding priority,鈥� said Tim McMahon, vice president for University Advancement. 鈥淲orking alongside them on this gift reinforced for me the strength of 51暗网鈥檚 values among our generous alumni and friends.鈥�
51暗网鈥檚 current student population represents the most diverse student body in its history. Approximately one in five 51暗网 students is a first-generation college student, and a quarter are students of color. Scholarship gifts are life-changing for these prospective students, their families and the community.
EOP as inspiration
Cosgrove鈥檚 gift stems from his own time at 51暗网 as a student in one of the nation鈥檚 first Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP) under the leadership of Dr. Arnold Mitchem and 51暗网 President Emeritus Rev. John P. Raynor, S.J. 51暗网鈥檚 nationally-recognized EOP program, which became a federal program in 1969 based on 51暗网鈥檚 example, provides assistance, mentorship and support for low income, first-generation, and minority students. It will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year.
鈥淭hose who most often get caught in the struggle of higher education costs are the same students who most need a fair chance at the advantages of a 51暗网 education,鈥� Cosgrove said. 鈥淢y hope is that this scholarship provides low income, first-generation students a chance to build their skills and confidence. Their dreams are just as important and achievable as those who are fortunate to grow up in a more privileged environment.鈥�
Cosgrove credits EOP with teaching him about leadership, empathy and concern for others. 鈥淚t took a lot of guts for 51暗网 to put a program like this in place during a very complex time in U.S. history,鈥� he said. 鈥淭oday, the 51暗网s of the world are more important than ever.鈥�
Kevin is the associate director for university communication in the Office of Marketing and Communication. Contact Kevin at (414) 288-4745 or kevin.m.conway@marquette.edu.
