Copyright Boston.com
The founder of Panera Bread has given Clark University its largest single gift in history. Ron Shaich, a graduate of the class of 1976 and university trustee since 1988, has gifted the school $20 million for the implementation of strategic planning initiatives introduced last spring, the private university in Worcester announced Tuesday. “With this gift, Mr. Shaich is supporting what he recognizes to be difficult yet absolutely necessary changes to propel Clark into a new chapter of sustained vibrancy and excellence,” said Clark University President David Fithian in the gift announcement. The mix of endowed and expandable funds will support Clark’s enrollment and financial aid initiatives and aim to increase the visibility of the new School of Climate, Environment, and Society. Overall, the donation will help enhance the student experience at Clark and support faculty and programs in “key areas of institutional focus,” Fithian wrote. “Clark gave me an extraordinary gift. It was a powerful place to grow and evolve,” Shaich told the university. “It was at Clark that I discovered who I am and what I love doing — solving problems.” During his time at Clark, Shaich founded a student-run community store. “The power of The General Store was that it taught me about myself and my capabilities to make a difference through business and the joy in the process,” Shaich told Clark University. Shaich went on to found Panera Bread and invest in other businesses including Au Bon Pain, Cava, Tatte Bakery and Cafe, Life Alive, Honest Greens Barcelona, and Level 99, according to Shaich’s website. “Over the years, I’ve come to believe a Clark education is powerfully different. At far too many schools, students are taught what to think. Clark is an exception, because Clark taught us how to think,” Shaich said in his 2014 commencement speech, the same year the university presented him with an honorary degree.
