Panera Bread Founder Donates $20M To Clark University

WORCESTER, MA — Clark University announced that it received a $20 million gift from Ron Shaich, the businessman who founded Panera Bread and graduated from the school in 1976.

The donation marks the single largest gift in the school's history and will be used to refocus its academic programs. The entrepreneur who is best known for his part in Panera Bread has also helped lead multiple successful businesses like Au Bon Pain, Cava, Tatte, and others.

Clark University said this gift will help fortify expanded enrollment and financial aid initiatives, continue The Clark Experience, and continue to raise awareness for its School of Climate, Environment, and Society.

“Clark, like all of higher education, is at a critical inflection point. The decisions we make and the actions we take today are determinative,” Shaich said. “I applaud the way in which President Fithian and the entire University are confronting this moment proactively, boldly, and with plan and purpose. And I am very proud to be part of moving Clark forward.”

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