College for Creative Studies Receives Largest Gift Ever to a Private Arts College

Josephine Ford's gift of $50 million also is the largest gift to any private school in Michigan

DETROIT, Jan. 8 -- The College for Creative Studies (CCS) announced today that Josephine Ford, the only granddaughter of Ford Motor Company founder Henry Ford, bequeathed $50 million to CCS upon her death last June.

The gift stands as the largest single gift ever made to a private arts college in the U.S. and the largest gift to any private school in Michigan.

Richard Rogers, president of CCS, said the gift will be used as endowment, with its earnings used to help increase financial aid for students, increase the number of full-time faculty, and facilitate program innovation, both locally and internationally.

"As we celebrate our 100th anniversary this year, we celebrate Josephine Ford and her understanding and support of our vision to encourage good and beautiful work in an industrialized world," said Rogers. "Her generous gift and enduring spirit allows us to further our commitment to our students, faculty and community."

The announcement was made today from the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. CCS trustees participating in the announcement included Gary Cowger, General Motors Group Vice President; Tom LaSorda, President and CEO, Chrysler Group; Jim Press, President and COO, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.; and Keith Crain, Chairman of Crain Communications Inc. and CCS Board Chairman.

The College for Creative Studies is a recognized leader in transportation design education, providing top talent and inspiration to the international automotive industry. Since 1906, CCS has advanced the creative spirit, preparing students to enter the global economy and shape a better world. A private, fully accredited, four-year college of art and design, CCS offers degrees in 11 fields of study and provides art education to thousands of Detroit youth through community outreach programs.