Margaret Ann (Ranny) Riecker (HLLD '05), who passed away in Midland, Mich., on April 7, was among the Ford School's most generous volunteers and supporters. Her philanthropy through the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation (where she was president), the Harry A. and Margaret D. Towsley Foundation (where she was chair), and personal giving with her late husband John Riecker (AB '52, JD '54), has been instrumental in the Ford School's advancement over the years:
- helping to construct the school's building through the naming of the Margaret Dow Towsley Reading Room in honor of Ranny's late mother;
- launching the Towsley Foundation Policymaker-in-Residence program, which brings individuals with significant policymaking experience to campus to engage with students and faculty; and
- advancing the Science, Technology, and Public Policy program through funding for competitively selected postdoctoral fellows.
Ranny and John were true University of Michigan citizens, providing decades of steadfast engagement and support across many academic areas. The State of Michigan, and the University of Michigan, are better places for their presence; this is no less true for the Ford School, where a $1 million endowment Ranny and John established for students in 2005 provided $50,000 in 2013 alone for four truly impressive students pursuing careers in science and technology policy.
Since its creation seven years ago, the Margaret Ann (Ranny) and John E. Riecker Fellowship Fund has provided more than $450,000 to support the education and professional development of three-dozen Ford School students. Through University stewardship and investment, the value of the fund has now grown to $1.36 million.
A former Republican National Committee member, Ranny Riecker was a frank advocate for a Michigan characterized by a diverse economic base, effective health care, informed policy, civility in public life, a vital nonprofit sector, and respect for the value of education. She was also a strong and frank advocate for the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, and we will miss her leadership and guiding presence.
Read the MLive tribute, Dave Camp, Bill Schuette and others remember Midland philanthropist, Dow family member Margaret Ann 'Ranny' Riecker" and the Midland Daily News tribute, "Midland loses philanthropist Margaret Ann 'Ranny' Riecker."