Clearstead gift will provide scholarship support for graduate students at Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University has announced a generous gift from Clearstead, a Cleveland-based financial advisory firm serving wealthy families and leading institutions, to provide scholarships for graduate students at Weatherhead School of Management who are interested in family business research or have family business backgrounds.

“We recognize and appreciate the complexity and unique challenges family-led enterprises face, and are committed to supporting the ecosystem and resources to ensure these businesses thrive across generations,” said Clearstead CEO Brad Knapp. “Weatherhead has been a strong supporter of family businesses in the region through thought leadership and research. We share similar values and vision for family-owned, multi-generational businesses, and hope our scholarship support helps Weatherhead strengthen its contribution and leadership in the space.”

The commitment further strengthens Clearstead’s commitment to higher education, as the organization also sponsors a scholarship through the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges.

“Scholarships remove the biggest barrier for students who want to learn how family enterprises survive across generations — and Clearstead knows those businesses from the inside,” said Weatherhead Dean Andrew Medvedev (CWR ’97). “We're proud to partner with a Cleveland-based firm that not only supports families across the country, but bets on the next generation of operators who will lead them.”

The school plans to start awarding scholarships as soon as this fall.

Weatherhead’s Center for Family Business provides educational programs, networking opportunities and peer forums specifically developed for multi-generational family businesses. Research has shown that family businesses are more likely to successfully transition through the generations when they engage in education and planning and have clear governance structures in place.

For more information about the Center for Family Business, contact Laura Bonnet at lxb485@case.edu or 216-368-1701.