Research

A businessman’s strategic gift powers Alzheimer’s disease research

By Katie Cammarata •
Ron Shaich, center right, first became acquainted with WashU as a parent. In 2022, son Michael Shaich, left, celebrated WashU Commencement with his father, his sister, Emma, center left, and his mother, Nancy, right. (Courtesy photo)
Ron Shaich, center right, first became acquainted with WashU as a parent. In 2022, son Michael Shaich, left, celebrated WashU Commencement with his father, his sister, Emma, center left, and his mother, Nancy, right. (Courtesy photo)

After decades of building and revitalizing numerous multimillion-dollar restaurant chains, entrepreneur Ron Shaich is embracing one more challenge: leaving a positive impact on the world.

“I’ve had the good fortune to have some success in life,” he says. “I want to make sure I do a good job stewarding the blessings I’ve had and use them in a way that will make a real difference.”