As reported by The Lowell Sun:

UMass Lowell Manning School of Business Dean Sandra Richtermeyer and philanthropist Brian Rist, a 1977 UMass Lowell graduate, at the April 14, 2022, investiture ceremony for the new endowed deanship gifted by Rist and his wife, Kim. Richtermeyer was named the inaugural Rist Family Foundation Dean of the Manning School of Business at the ceremony. The endowed deanship is a first for the university. (Photo by Nick Surette / Courtesy UMass Lowell)

LOWELL (April 29, 2022) — UMass Lowell alumnus and longtime philanthropist Brian Rist and his wife, Kim, have given a lot back to his alma mater over the years.

In 2018, they provided a record $5 million to the university, a cash gift only eclipsed by fellow alumni Robert and Donna Manning’s $10 million gift to UMass Lowell as part of a $50 million commitment to the UMass system last year.

Inspired by the Mannings, the Rists have once again made a generous gift to UMass Lowell, this time focused on the next generation of entrepreneurs. Their $3 million investment provides the university with the first endowed deanship in its history.

Sandra Richtermeyer, dean of the Robert J. Manning School of Business since July 2016, was named the inaugural Rist Family Foundation dean of the Manning School of Business at an investiture ceremony held April 14.

“Kim and I endowed the deanship in the Manning School of Business because it ensures support for business school students of today and tomorrow,” Brian Rist said. “The deanship recognizes Dean Richtermeyer’s energy and tenacity, and it will be a tool for future recruitment of quality faculty.”

Rist, a 1977 graduate of UMass Lowell, was a first-generation college student who went on to become an entrepreneur and inventor. The endowment aims to help those struggling with financial hardship to stay in school and connect business students with industry services and opportunities.

“Brian’s giving has made a significant difference on our ability to advance and elevate the career preparation of our students,” said Richtermeyer, who oversaw the school’s move into the $47 million Pulichino Tong Business Center. “The endowment also provides emergency support for students with urgent financial needs and allows them to stay in school and continue the pursuit of their degrees.”

It builds on a discretionary fund designed to help students further their professional interests through attending conferences and competitions, joining industry groups, conducting research with faculty and networking with alumni.

Chancellor Jacquie Moloney, noting the significant milestone for the university, expressed her gratitude to the Rist Family Foundation for its continued patronage.

“There is no better time, as we re-emerge from the economic uncertainty of the pandemic, to commit to and invest in the next generation of economists, entrepreneurs, innovators and financial professionals,” Moloney said. “I thank the Rist Family Foundation, Brian and Kim in particular, for their generosity and foresight.”

Richtermeyer said Brian Rist is also generous with his time.

“Brian comes back to campus. Students love talking to him. Faculty love discussing ideas with him,” she said. “He inspires us and he is willing to share his expertise.”

UMass Lowell Manning School of Business Dean Sandra Richtermeyer and philanthropist Brian Rist, a 1977 UMass Lowell graduate, at the April 14, 2022, investiture ceremony for the new endowed deanship gifted by Rist and his wife, Kim. Richtermeyer was named the inaugural Rist Family Foundation Dean of the Manning School of Business at the ceremony. The endowed deanship is a first for the university. (Photo by Nick Surette / Courtesy UMass Lowell)