Statement from President Karen Holbrook and Dean Joseph Alutto Regarding Max. M. Fisher

Columbus, Ohio -- Karen Holbrook, president of The Ohio State University, and Joseph Alutto, dean of the Max M. Fisher College of Business, have released the following statements regarding Max. M. Fisher’s death:

Holbrook said: “Today The Ohio State University has lost a truly exceptional friend. His generosity enabled the university to reach the top tier of business schools nationwide. Today, the Fisher College of Business campus is a beautiful state-of-the-art complex that will continue to benefit our students for years to come. It serves as a permanent reminder of Mr. Fisher’s extraordinary philanthropy.”

Alutto said: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a long-time friend. Max was an extraordinary leader. Throughout his life, Max has been a model for those who are committed to making a positive difference in the world around them. In addition to his focus on his family, Max’s life revolved around business leadership, civic responsibility, maintenance of lifelong connections, integrity and the value of hard work.

His leadership and support have propelled the Fisher College of Business into national prominence. In my 14 years as dean of Fisher College, I have relied on him as my most trusted advisor as well as a close friend.

Max once described his alma mater as a place that provided him with opportunities to take risks, shape his own future and develop a base to leave a significant impression on the world of business. That vision, along with Max’s devotion to the college and greater community, is what fuels the Fisher College of Business. Max will be deeply missed. My thoughts are with his family.”

About Max Fisher and the Fisher College of Business:
Born to Russian immigrants in the small town of Salem, Ohio, Max Fisher attended The Ohio State University on a football scholarship. After graduating with a degree in business administration in 1930, he joined his father\'s oil reclamation business in Detroit. Through hard work, instinct and his legendary bridge-building, he grew the business into one of the largest gas station chains in the Midwest before selling the business in 1959 and investing in a series of stock and real estate deals that made him one of the country’s wealthiest men.

In 1993, Max Fisher’s desire to see Ohio State’s business college become one of the premier management institutions in the country resulted in a generous gift that spearheaded the building of what is now recognized as one of the finest business school campuses anywhere. In recognition of his $20 million commitment, the college was named the Max M. Fisher College of Business that year. Construction on the six-building complex was completed in 2001.