Wayne State University alumnus Frederick A. Hessler made a substantial gift to the Wayne State University Mike Ilitch School of Business. His pledge of $500,000 will support the education of future business and community leaders within the school's new state-of-the-art learning facility in the District Detroit. In recognition of his generosity, the Undergraduate Resource Center on the ground floor of the new Ilitch School building will be named the Frederick Hessler Student Success Center.

Later this year, the business school will move into its new facility at the corner of Woodward Avenue and Temple Street, made possible by a $40 million lead gift from Mike and Marian Ilitch. In addition to providing enhanced technology and modern instructional spaces, the building will facilitate the expansion of tutoring and advising services.

The Frederick Hessler Student Success Center, prominently located near the building's main entrance, will serve as a one-stop shop where students can access the extensive services offered by the Ilitch School to advance their skills and to increase their academic performance and competitiveness after graduation.

In the center, staff will connect students with resources including the Warriors Business Community, Corporate Mentor Program, academic advising, career planning and placement services, study abroad, and opportunities such as the Elevator Pitch Competition and 25 Under 25 recognition program that connect students directly to Detroit business leaders.

"Through both his long and distinguished professional career and his ongoing support of Wayne State and the Mike Ilitch School of Business, Fred is a wonderful role model for our students," said Dean Robert Forsythe. "It is very appropriate that his name will be prominently displayed in this particular location."

Hessler earned his bachelor of science in accounting from Wayne State in 1970. He is a retired managing director of Citigroup, where he headed the not-for-profit Health Care Investment Banking Group for more than two decades. He has also served as partner and regional director for healthcare at Ernst & Young LLP and as a senior banker and advisor to many of the most prestigious and highly rated multi-dimensional organizations in the country, including health providers, insurers and managed care companies. He currently serves on the Ilitch School's Board of Visitors as well as the boards of various health care organizations.