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Smerklo gift to fund entrepreneurship scholarship

Mike Smerklo headshot

A gift from Mike (FSB ’91) and Abby Smerklo will fund a scholarship for students from underrepresented populations wishing to study entrepreneurship at Miami.  The impact of this gift will be doubled by Miami’s Match the Promise program and will allow scholarships to be awarded immediately.

“I’m passionate about supporting diversity within entrepreneurship. I believe entrepreneurship is the key to making a difference in our world today, and incorporating diverse voices and communities will further this impact,” Mike commented.

Farmer School dean and Mitchell P. Rales Chair in Business Leadership, Jenny Darroch, commented, “We are grateful to the Smerklos for this thoughtful and timely gift, especially at a time when many families are facing increased financial challenges. We look forward to welcoming the recipients of this scholarship to the Farmer School family.”

“Mike has had a successful career in business as a public company CEO and investor that spans three decades, and he is a great example of what we hope our graduates will be—a personally and professionally successful leader who demonstrates a willingness to give back in service of others. Dedicating proceeds from his new book, Mr. Monkey and Me: A Real Survival Guide for Entrepreneurs to establish a scholarship fund for entrepreneurship students at Miami will allow future entrepreneurial leaders to position themselves to graduate ‘job ready, day one.’”

Mr. Monkey and Me is available for preorder on Amazon.