Celebrating Shel Lubar

From left, Marianne Lubar, Dean Kaushal Chari, and Shel Lubar

The faculty and staff of the Lubar College extend their wishes to Shel Lubar as he celebrates his 96th birthday. Shel and his wife, Marianne, have shaped the identity and impact of the college through dedication and generosity. Shel’s leadership is deeply woven into the college’s growth and reputation.

Shel Lubar with Joan Nesbit
Shel Lubar blows out the candles of his 96th birthday cake.

In 2006, the Lubars made a historic $10 million gift, endowing business student scholarships and professorships. This landmark donation led the Universities of Wisconsin system’s Board of Regents to rename the School of Business Administration as the Sheldon B. Lubar School of Business, which is housed in Lubar Hall. The name shifted to the Lubar College of Business in 2023.

As evidence of their belief in students’ potential, half of their $10 million gift goes to student merit scholarships – reflecting a deep desire to see Lubar students succeed – in studies and in life.

Shel has also been actively involved in shaping the direction of the college, serving on the Business Advisory Council for decades. He has elevated the College into a driving force for business leadership and innovation in Milwaukee, the region and state.

To celebrate Shel’s 96th birthday and impact, UWM opened the Sheldon B. Lubar Study & Conference Room in the Golda Meir Library in May. The space features an exhibit of the Lubars contributions to business education.

Leading Through Analytics and Innovation