University Liggett campaign lands another $1M donation

Grosse Pointe Woods — The University Liggett School has landed another $1 million donation toward its $50 million fundraising campaign.

The money comes from the Richard and Jane Manoogian Foundation, whose chairman, Richard Manoogian, is a 1954 graduate of Detroit University School, one of University Liggett’s predecessor schools.

Money raised in the school’s Sure Foundations campaign will be used for, among other things, campus investments, including new athletic fields; construction of the John A. and Marlene L. Boll Campus Center; and growing the endowment to retain faculty and update technology.

The Boll Foundation of St. Clair Shores made the largest donation so far in the campaign. It gave $4.25 million. It supports education, the arts and health services.

Some of the other donors, according to the campaign website, who have contributed between $1 million and $3 million are the Martha and William Clay Ford Foundation; Janet A. Fruehauf and H. Richard Fruehauf Jr.; Mr. and Mrs. Matthew T. Moroun; and the Elizabeth, Allan and Warren Shelden Fund.

Richard Manoogian is a former University Liggett School trustee and joined his father’s company, Masco Corp., in 1958. He eventually became chairman and chief executive officer of the Taylor company that makes home building products such as cabinets, plumbing fixtures and windows and doors.

So far, the private school has raised nearly $29 million for its Sure Foundations campaign, which was announced publicly in May. It’s quiet phase started about four years ago.

The school enrolls 605 students, which has remained stable over the past several years, according to Liggett spokeswoman Michelle Franzen Martin. She said tuition begins at $16,000 a year for pre-K students and increases to $26,000 a year for high school students.

The Manoogian Foundation’s “gift will deeply impact our school, ensuring that we continue to invest in our campus, build our endowment and raise operational support,” said John W. Stroh III, president of the University Liggett School Board of Trustees. Stroh and Vivian W. Day have also given between $1 million and $3 million to the campaign.

In 2001, the school’s arts wing was named in honor of Richard and Jane Manoogian.

SLewis@detroitnews.com

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