Wiertelaks donate $3 million to University of Memphis for education chair

Jim and Gina Wiertelak have donated $3 million to the University of Memphis to fund the Carolyn L. Wiertelak Chair of Teaching and Learning.

The University of Memphis? ? University of Memphis Latest from The Business Journals Martins donate 0,000 for new University of Memphis scholarship programN.Y. law firm seeks lead spot in Swisher Hygiene litigationEllett not afraid to take risks to build public relations business Follow this company has received a $3 million donation that will be used to establish the Carolyn L. Wiertelak Chair of Teaching and Learning.

The donation comes from Jim and Gina Wiertelak, and is named for Jim Wiertelak?s late mother, who was an elementary school teacher for 35 years. Wiertelak?s family ? including grandparents, sister, niece, and daughter ? have all been in the teaching profession.

Jim Wiertelak recently retired from his position as chief operating officer of Sedgwick Claims Management, while Gina Wiertelak (also retired), is president of the University of Memphis Fast Break Club, which supports the women?s basketball program. The Carolyn L. Wiertelak Chair will be established through the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences, and will recruit a scholar to further the school?s research in early childhood and elementary education.

?The impact of early childhood and elementary educators on children?s future success cannot be overstated,? Donald Wagner, dean of the College of Education, said in a statement. ?The building blocks for social emotional development are laid in preschool. The Carolyn L. Wiertelak Chair of Teaching and Learning will enhance the reputation of the college?s early childhood and elementary education programs, thus strengthening the University?s ability to attract other renowned educators and researchers.?

The chair is one of several endowed faculty positions the University of Memphis is establishing through its Empowering the Dream Centennial Campaign. The campaign has raised more than $205 million so far. It ends June 30, 2013.

Earlier this week, Brad and Dina Martin donated $100,000 to create a scholarship in honor of University of Memphis president Shirley Raines. That scholarship will target students training to be teachers.

Michael Sheffield covers bioscience and biotechnology; manufacturing; tourism and hospitality; and sports business. Contact him at msheffield@bizjournals.com.

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