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By Jeff Wilson<\/p>\nBy Jeff Wilson<\/p>\n
When visiting SIU as a prospective student, Harvey Michaels knew that it was the perfect place for him to attend. Nowadays, he has decided it\u2019s the perfect place to leave a legacy.<\/p>\n
\u201cSouthern Illinois was the best place for me,\u201d he said. \u201cThe size of the classroom is conducive to being a part of the class and not feeling lost in the crowd. It\u2019s why I was interested in naming a classroom.\u201d<\/p>\n
With a $25,000 gift to the College of Business and Analytics Technology Improvement Fund, Michaels did just that. His generosity will be honored with his name on a classroom in Rehn Hall.<\/p>\n
Raised by his Ukrainian immigrant grandparents in Chicago, Michaels was a first-generation college student. He earned a bachelor\u2019s degree in accountancy in 1980 and his MBA in 1981, both from SIU.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s why I continue to support the school,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s in a unique position to attract and support first-generation college students.\u201d<\/p>\n
It\u2019s not the first time he\u2019s made an impact on his alma mater. In 2008, he donated $25,000 to establish the Harvey N. Michaels Scholarship Endowment Fund, which is awarded to College of Business and Analytics students. Each year, he adds to the fund, and those gifts are matched by his employer, Deloitte.<\/p>\n
\u201cDeloitte continues to match my scholarship,\u201d Michaels said. \u201cMy goal is to provide other people with the opportunity I had. Everybody has choices to make, and for me, it was an easy decision to give the maximum that could be matched by Deloitte. We have a lot of SIU alumni in great places, and I encourage them to see what\u2019s available.\u201d<\/p>\n
During his graduate years at SIU, Michaels worked for AC Nielsen, but he saw his future in consulting. During his senior year, he had applied to the Big Eight professional services firms (now Big Four) in Dallas, Texas, he accepted an offer in management consulting with Touche Ross, which later merged with Deloitte.<\/p>\n
\u201cI spent my entire working career \u2013 38 years \u2013 with them,\u201d he said. \u201cI was lucky enough to make partner, holding many leadership positions and working with major companies around the world. I had an incredible career at a great firm.\u201d<\/p>\n
Michaels is passionate about spreading the word about SIU, the College of Business and Analytics, and the School of Accountancy. He has been on the college\u2019s board of advisors for many years, and in 2018, he was inducted into the COBA Hall of Fame.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to scream how great this school is. Getting a degree from SIU prepares you incredibly well,\u201d he said. \u201cThe School of Accountancy brings in the best recruiters for the best positions. The best companies come to SIU to get the best-qualified people.\u201d<\/p>\n
He is also supportive of the vision set forth by Chancellor Austin Lane and COBA\u2019s interim dean, Marc Morris.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey have come up with creative solutions,\u201d he said. \u201cThrough the technology fund, Dean Morris plans to increase distance learning opportunities for students.\u201d<\/p>\n
The idea of having such a legacy never crossed Michaels\u2019 mind during his days as a student.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was basically living on macaroni and cheese in those days,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s not where you start, it\u2019s where you finish, and I have been lucky enough to be able to give back. This is part of an ongoing legacy. It\u2019s a great way to pay it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n
To learn more about matching gifts, visit siuf.org\/matching<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" By Jeff Wilson When visiting SIU as a prospective student, Harvey Michaels knew that it was the perfect place for him to attend. Nowadays, he has decided it\u2019s the perfect place to leave a legacy. \u201cSouthern Illinois was the best place for me,\u201d he said. \u201cThe size of the classroom is conducive to being a … Continue reading Michaels lifts university through giving<\/span>