In the summer of 2014, Phil and Jocelyn Hagerman began looking for ways to enhance positivity for the Flint community. Talks began with University of Michigan – Flint’s Office of Development, which resulted in an idea for an entrepreneurship and innovation program.

The Hagerman Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation became a reality in January of 2015, with a leadership gift of $2 million from the Hagerman’s. This was the largest single gift to the School of Management (SOM) at the UM-Flint.

“This generous gift by Phil and Jocelyn Hagerman supporting entrepreneurship education enables the School of Management to better serve our students and our community,” stated SOM Dean, Scott Johnson. “Phil and Jocelyn Hagerman’s gift is a testament to their recognition of the importance of higher education and of the transformative impact that entrepreneurship can have on the city and the region.”

“Jocelyn and I believe UM-Flint is a critical and growing anchor in our community and has been an important part of the turnaround happening in downtown Flint,” said Phil Hagerman. “We believe in the school, in its leadership and in its mission. We also believe in the spirit of entrepreneurship and feel this is another way Flint and Genesee County can prosper in the coming years. Our hope in funding the Hagerman Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation is that it will foster and expand the growth of new businesses in Flint.”