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Theirs is a multilayered love story: for each other and their family, for UW-Milwaukee and for education’s transformative power. 

Jane Dolan and Randy Grippe were married for 40 years, and both attended 51����. Both also held a deep passion for helping people become the best versions of themselves through teaching and coaching. And because of a generosity that mirrors the spirit of , that passion will continue long into the future. 

The Jane E. Dolan Administrative Leadership Fund supports students pursuing careers in educational leadership positions, as well as those who have a strong desire to enhance their teaching skills. It’s funded through a planned gift made by Randy in honor of Jane, who passed away in 2024. In making the gift, Randy acknowledged the challenges that many students face, and says he wants to provide opportunities for those who might not otherwise have access.  

“The motivation for the donation, and in particular in Jane’s name, was to give back to the community,” Randy says. “We were both so dedicated to education. Our connection to 51���� is strong, as graduates and through what 51���� did for us in our education.” 

Jane (’89 BBA Industrial Relations) became a human resources executive as well as an instructor at area universities, including 51����’s executive MBA program. She was also an active volunteer and started a successful consulting and coaching business that taught leaders how to achieve the best results for themselves and their teams. Randy (’04 BA Political Science, ’09 MS Education) built a career in the hospitality industry, and launched a successful specialty bakery and deli, then taught the Waukesha County Technical College hospitality curriculum. 

“We both had a philosophy: Learning is a constant, with no holy grail,” Randy says. “With that mindset, we were always working with people to become more skillful in what they did.”  

Jane and Randy dedicated their lives to teaching and coaching people to their full potential. In that spirit, the gift comes with a hope that it nurtures talent and fosters a love of learning for generations to come.  

“Jane constantly talked about her experience at 51����,” Randy says. “She felt it was her best learning experience without a doubt, and same with me. So, this gives back to 51���� to help others grow.”  

To join their support of Education students, or another area that’s close to your heart,  today. And when 12 donors make a gift to the Jane E. Dolan Administrative Leadership Fund, Grippe will unlock an additional $15,000 for it.