News and Progress

Vaseys increase support of program for MU minority students

April 28, 2005

For eight years, the Vasey Academy at the University of Missouri-Columbias College of Business has provided opportunities for minority students to learn about business and the economy as well as various academic paths to the business world. Today, University officials announced a $1 million gift from the original donors that not only will extend the program but also will increase the number of participants each year.

Roger and Sandy Vasey made the gift to double the size of the Vasey Academy from 30 to 60 students each year and to cover the Academy’s costs for the next 12 years. In addition, they contributed $90,000, which will be matched by University of Missouri funds, to establish an endowment for scholarships. These scholarships will be available to high-need students in the Academy.

“We wanted to focus our philanthropic interests on helping disadvantaged minority students,” Vasey said. “We feel that if students have the chance to learn about and then enter the world of business, they will be more likely to have successful business careers and better lives.”

The Vaseys established the Academy in 1997. Freshmen can apply for the Academy each fall semester. Students who are accepted for the program receive a $1,000 scholarship and enroll in a one-credit course in the College of Business.

Students are introduced to faculty members from departments in the college and explore opportunities in various areas of business, including accounting, marketing, finance and management. They also visit several companies to learn more about their strategies and activities as well as career paths in each firm.

“We were fortunate when Roger and Sandy Vasey chose to sponsor this program for minority students who are freshmen and sophomores at MU,” said Bruce Walker, dean of the MU College of Business. “Roger’s personal involvement with the Academy has helped make it successful. We are very grateful for the Vaseys’ added generosity in support of this fantastic program.”

A 1958 graduate of MU's College of Business, Vasey concluded his career as one of the top executives at Merrill Lynch. He has been involved in the College of Business for more than a decade and currently serves on the college's Strategic Development Board.