BlueGranite is a consulting services provider delivering business intelligence, advanced analytics, and data warehouse solutions on the Microsoft platform. The Portage, Mich.-based company was founded by Western Michigan University alumnus, Matt Mace (B.B.A. ’98, Computer Information Systems) who is dedicated to giving back to WMU and the Haworth College of Business while helping to grow his industry.
Recently, Mace established an endowed scholarship in the BlueGranite name. The BlueGranite Data/Analytics Scholarship will benefit a student studying Computer Information Systems in the Business Information Systems Department of the Haworth College of Business at WMU. By establishing this scholarship, he is supporting hardworking students while giving voice to WMU and its CIS program, increasing its consideration of future students and their potential employees.
And BlueGranite believes other business could benefit from doing the same.
“There is a global talent shortage and we are especially feeling that pain in the Information Technology industry,” Mace explained. “By supporting the CIS scholarship program we are putting our hard earned profit and cash flow back into the academic system where it all started, creating a virtuous cycle that guides our business, our clients, and our economy as a whole – if other businesses followed suite we would make a tremendous impact!”
Mace, who is also on the Haworth College of Business BIS Advisory Committee, enjoys staying engaged with the student community for a number of reasons. In addition to being able to meet with top students, remaining active with WMU helps to promote the academic programs that will educate students to meet the current needs of clients; aligning students and their skill set with what is relevant to the industry.
The scholarship will be awarded to a student majoring in the BIS Department who wishes to pursue a career in data and analytics. Preference will be given to students who have financial need, have overcome obstacles such as socioeconomic or education disadvantages, and who are members of under-represented groups.
“IT is suffering from a lack of diversity, and designating the scholarship is one small part of a larger effort,” Mace said. “Our hope is at the student level, we might encourage interest in data/analytics as a professional field for under-represented groups at WMU and the IT industry.”
In addition, BlueGranite employs a number of WMU alumni including its COO, Erik Roll (B.B.A.’06, Electronic Business Design), and also supports WMU Starting Gate, a business accelerator that gives student entrepreneurs resources to develop their own startup companies.
Learn more about BlueGranite at blue-granite.com. Learn more about the Haworth College of Business and its programs by visiting wmich.edu/business.