The Zager family has a long-standing connection to NSU University School (USchool). Michael Zager, founder and CEO of Z Wealth Solutions, graduated from USchool before earning a degree in finance from Boston University and starting his own company. Zager and his wife Lainie settled in South Florida, and all three of their sons—Alec, Craig, and Tyler—are Sharks as well. Alec and Craig have graduated, and Tyler is a senior this year.
“I am proud that NSU University School is part of the fabric of who I am in terms of community service and relationships, some of which are now 40 years old.” Zager said. “It’s home for me and always will be.”
A few years ago, the Zagers established a scholarship program for students entering ninth grade at USchool. Based on academic achievement, personal accomplishments, and leadership skills, the merit and need-based scholarships assist students beginning in their freshmen year of upper school and continuing through their senior year.
“I was motivated when we started the scholarship for very bright individuals transitioning from eighth grade going into high school who were going through some financial struggles. The only reason they were not going to continue their education at the school was financial,” Zager said. “I felt we could alleviate some of that pressure and give our best and brightest a reward. We’ve retained a lot of good students, and for other students, it’s a thank you for doing so well.”
More than 150 students have been welcomed into the Shark Scholar program. To be nominated, students must be in the top 10 percent of the eighth-grade class as determined by GPA and standardized test scores. Shark scholars also must have served in a formal leadership role at the school in clubs or other programs available to them before applying.
“It’s become a signature program for the school. Every middle schooler aims for it,” said Susanne Marshall, Ph.D., senior director of development for NSU University Advancement. “Bridging the gap between middle school and high school makes a huge difference. It’s truly a distinction that students are trying to earn.”
Zager hopes the program allows students to continue to be shaped by USchool. The school focuses on college preparation, but also strives to build character through philanthropy, education, and community. All of these are the foundations to students becoming leaders in whatever roles they choose for themselves in the future.
“I hope it shapes them as individuals to take the next challenge they have,” Zager said. “Building character at these young development ages so that when they get to secondary school or college, they’re ready academically, but also ready to perform as good citizens and good people.”
In addition to being an alumnus, parent, and donor–he is a member of both the 1964 Society and the NSU Fellows Society–Zager served as board chair for USchool. This role afforded him the opportunity to serve on the NSU Board of Trustees, and Zager remained as a trustee even when his term as chair was complete. At first, his focus was on USchool and being an advocate for the students there, but he has continued to serve on the board because of NSU’s commitment to its students, the students at USchool, as well as to alumni, parents, faculty members, employees, and the community.
“No matter what someone’s passion is—whether it’s medical research, academics, athletics, or building the endowment—NSU is in all likelihood doing work in that area,” Zager explained. “I would challenge other potential donors to identify what needs are close to their heart. Whatever they are, there’s probably a connection at NSU somewhere.”
Zager added that his connection with USchool will continue even after he watches his youngest son graduate from the campus next year. From close friends made when he was in lower, middle, and high school, to trusting the school with his children’s education to the atmosphere of excellence and innovation, the partnership has only gotten stronger over time.
“People who go to NSU University School don’t strive to be average—they strive to be excellent,” Zager said. “The school prepared me to want to succeed in whatever I chose to do, and I think that still exists. NSU University School has prepared my kids, and hopefully many future generations, to want to grow and excel.”
For more information on how to support NSU University School, please contact Susanne Marshall, Ph.D., senior director of development for NSU University Advancement, at (954) 262-3014 or via email at msusanne@nova.edu.