The Wolverine

"The men's programs had much better support. People cared for them; they paid more attention to them. From that standpoint, the women needed a lot of help." They were also deeply apprecia- tive upon receiving the assistance. He found that in many ways, he became part of the program's fabric because of his interest. He connected well with the pro- grams and the athletes, and that ce- mented the relationship both ways. "I remember going to softball and Hutch letting me shag flies in the out- field, as long as I didn't hurt anybody," Shepherd recalled. "She pitched to me, and the kids were always willing to come up and talk. "The first softball scholarship I did, the girl got so excited, she came up and said, 'Can I have lunch with you?' which was a totally new experience." She had to pay for her own lunch, per NCAA regulations, but appreci- ated the big-picture opportunity pro- vided. Gymnastics Training Center on U-M's South Athletic Campus. Once again, a relationship with a coach and program brought about a connection. Long-time women's gym- nastics coach Bev Plocki hosted Shep- herd on many occasions, ones he re- members warmly. "My birthday is in August, and when I'd go back for the first football Don Shepherd "My approach might be a little bit different, in terms of qualifications for the scholarship recipients. I put a really heavy emphasis on academics. We also look for people who can make a contribution to society after they're through playing a sport at the University." Shepherd's name appears on Michi- gan's softball headquarters at Alumni Field, after he funded a building proj- ect for locker rooms. He also poured $3.5 million into the spacious and spec- tacular Donald R. Shepherd Women's game, Bev would have me over to the house and do a birthday dinner," he said. "When their kids were younger, they'd sing 'Happy Birthday' to me, which was really touching. When I go back, I'll still go over to the gymnastics facility. It's so bright and breezy." Shepherd keeps in touch with for- mer student-athletes he's assisted over the years. They interact with him on social media or maintain contact in other ways, even long after they've left Ann Arbor. Shepherd Scholarships Propel Many Wolverines athletics, but the University of Michigan Marching Band and students from his high school who are attending Michigan as well. He's given in many areas and continues to support the Wolverines financially, directing his dollars these days into women's athletics. Here is a list of the scholarships he's endowed: Major donor Don Shepherd has a long history of supporting not only Michigan • Field Hockey Scholarship • Senior Scholar Award Fellowships • Scholarship Fund for Women's Golf • Spirit Award Scholarship for Women's Gymnastics • Volleyball Scholarship Fund • Women's Softball Scholarship Fund • Women's Athletic Scholarship for Tennis • Women's Cross Country Scholarship Fund • Women's Gymnastics Scholarship Fund • Women's Swimming Scholarship Fund regarding his long history of generosity. "Nobody approached me about it. "I spent a lot of time with the various athletic directors. None of them really asked for anything. They were just friendly. When I'd go back there, they'd bring me up to date on what was going on, ask questions, and spend time with me. Now, while he's spending time enjoying life in retirement, he remains mindful of giving others a great start. "I was just looking for ways to give back to the University," Shepherd noted, " — John Borton 50 THE WOLVERINE OCTOBER 2012 athletics through the MGoBlue.com website, as well as The Wolverine and Ann Arbor and Detroit newspapers. He is also ending his self-imposed hiatus from Michigan football, begun shortly into the regime preceding Brady Hoke's. Shepherd admits he appreciated the hiring of Hoke, and noted he'll be back for a football game this fall for the first time since 2009. "I was delighted, before he even coached his first game," Shepherd noted, regarding the hiring of Hoke. "I knew of him from San Diego, although I didn't know him personally. He'd been on the Michigan staff before, and he was really well respected at San Di- ego State. I just thought it was a home run." probably even look in on a football practice, if he wanted. More impor- tantly, he shares with Hoke and many other Michigan coaches an interest in student-athletes well beyond the goal line. different, in terms of qualifications for the scholarship recipients," Shepherd said. "I put a really heavy emphasis on academics. We also look for people who can make a contribution to society after they're through playing a sport at the University. "My approach might be a little bit ing students, people who will make a contribution to the world. Athletics are okay, but not the most important thing, even though I have a number of athletic scholarships. I'm trying to identify what they'll do with their lives afterwards." u "I'm trying to identify outstand- "There are kids who go back 12, 15 years, who still stay in touch with me," he said. "There are some that will still call and ask for career advice. It's just nice having the interaction with them." Now based in Rancho Sante Fe, Ca- lif., Shepherd notes his twin passions of golf and tennis can be pursued daily in retirement. He follows Michigan The long-time U-M donor could

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