Deloitte is a storied name in the history of accounting, and for nearly 30 years the professional services organization has supported aspiring accountants in Michigan through Wayne State University's business school. Deloitte and the Deloitte Foundation continue that support with an essential investment in the new Mike Ilitch School of Business on Woodward Avenue.

Deloitte personnel and the Deloitte Foundation have committed $250,000 to create the Deloitte Foundation Accounting Resource Center on the building's third floor. The space will be a valuable learning resource for accounting students.

"The Ilitch School will educate many of our region's future finance professionals inside this new facility," said Mark Davidoff, managing partner for Deloitte's Michigan practice and an Ilitch School alumnus. "We want to ensure those students have the resources they need to be successful."

The Deloitte Foundation Accounting Resource Center will be a multi-purpose space for students to collaborate, meet with tutors, network and receive guidance on academic and career options.

Accomplished graduate students, advised by faculty members, will provide one-on-one support for undergraduate accounting coursework. Additionally, the center will provide advanced technology and study resources for students preparing for professional examinations.

"We are extremely grateful to Deloitte and the Deloitte Foundation for their investment," said Robert Forsythe, dean of the Ilitch School. "This learning resource will deepen the connection between a historic financial services firm and our students, and help propel generations of students to successful accounting careers."

The Mike Ilitch School of Business, launched with a historic gift of $40 million from Mike and Marian Ilitch in 2015, will provide an educational anchor institution between downtown and Midtown, offering students numerous opportunities to engage in Detroit's revitalized business community.

Classes are scheduled to begin in the Ilitch School in spring 2018. The gift is part of Wayne State's Pivotal Moments fundraising campaign. Every gift to every area of the university counts toward the ambitious goal to raise $750 million by 2018, the 150th anniversary of the university's founding.

(October 25, 2017)