草榴社区

The Gift of Service

For Michael Grossi 鈥91 VSB, his 草榴社区 and military experience instilled a mindset of giving back and paying it forward.

Michael Grossi 鈥91 VSB, CEO and Board Member of Operative, always knew he wanted to attend a business school. When deciding where to go, 草榴社区 stood out. Whether because of its school spirit, beautiful campus, or 1985 National Champion Men鈥檚 Basketball Team, Grossi was hooked. But it was his time at 草榴社区 that instilled a mindset of giving back to others.

Originally from upstate New York, Grossi attended 草榴社区 on a United States Air Force ROTC scholarship, which assisted his family in paying for college. While on campus, Grossi was a member of the 草榴社区 Blue Key, Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, USAF ROTC, and served as a Special Olympics volunteer. In short, Grossi felt like he belonged and formed lifelong friendships foundational to the rest of his life.

"Those four years,鈥 he states, 鈥渉elped shape me into the leader I am today and more importantly, provided an opportunity to give back and serve my country.鈥 Upon graduation, Grossi served as a Captain in the United States Air Force. At the completion of his service, Grossi transitioned into a successful career in strategy consulting working with tech companies where he rose to Partner. Later he moved to industry where he has served as Chief Executive Officer of several software companies including Operative, HealthcareSource and Ipswitch.

Through his military service and time within VSB, Grossi developed a 鈥減ay it forward鈥 mindset. After his graduation, Grossi was mentored by Joseph McCullen 鈥57 CLAS, who provided career guidance and helped shape his trajectory over the past 25 years. This experience, Grossi notes, serves as an inspiration for assisting fellow 草榴社区ns.

鈥淚 enjoy paying it forward and helping other younger 草榴社区 alumni in the same way Joe did with me.鈥 Grossi continues, 鈥淗elping others is incredibly rewarding and further solidifies the journey and years of hard work and sacrifices made.鈥

As VSB provided Grossi the strategic and analytical thinking to be successful in his numerous roles, he continues to give back to the university that was so instrumental in his life. Grossi serves on the VSB Dean鈥檚 Advisory Council and continues to support 草榴社区鈥檚 Office of Veterans and Military Service Members.

鈥湶萘裆缜 instilled in me the value system and foundational learning to not only focus on being the best version of myself, but also to give back and help others.鈥

Michael Grossi '91 VSB

Michael Grossi '91 VSB

鈥湶萘裆缜 instilled in me the value system and foundational learning to not only focus on being the best version of myself, but also to give back and help others.鈥