WASHINGTON - The Heritage Foundation has honored Michael W. Grebe ’62 for his philanthropic work with the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation of Milwaukee. The think tank presented its Founders Award to Grebe, the president and CEO of the Bradley Foundation, in recognition of “outstanding and continuing support” by a foundation or individual. A grant-making organization, the Bradley Foundation supports programs that promote: limited, competent government; a dynamic marketplace for economic, intellectual, and cultural activity; and a vigorous defense, at home and abroad, of American ideas and institutions.
The Heritage Foundation has benefited from Bradley’s continuing support for more than 35 years, noted Heritage Group Vice President of Development John Fogarty. He added that, “With Mike Grebe at the helm over the last 14 years, the Heritage-Bradley relationship has become a truly productive partnership.” Heritage President Jim DeMint said, “The Bradley Foundation sees America as a force for good in the world, and they are a force for what makes America so good. We are sincerely grateful for their leadership and their committed support.”
Earlier this year, Grebe announced his plans to step down from his post at Bradley. Before coming over to the foundation, he was chairman and CEO of Foley & Lardner, one of the country’s largest law firms, where he was a partner for more than 25 years. He is a former member and president of the board of regents for the University of Wisconsin System and past member and chairman of the board of visitors for his alma mater, the United States Military Academy. After graduating from the Academy, Grebe served in Vietnam, where he earned two Bronze Stars. In 1970, he received his law degree from the University of Michigan. Grebe is chairman of the board of The Philanthropy Round-table and is a former chairman of the Greater Milwaukee Committee and co-chairman of the seven-county M7 economic development project in southeastern Wisconsin.
Photo: Michael Grebe (Left) accepting the award during a special ceremony April 8 at The Heritage Foundation’s annual Leadership Conference