Ph.D. alumnus John “Jack” Helmuth (’81 Ph.D. economics) and his wife, Judith, decided to honor the “supportive atmosphere” Helmuth encountered during his program by founding a graduate fellowship honoring Ron Wilder.

Wilder, a professor emeritus of economics at the Moore School, was a longtime professor for the economics Ph.D. program and a beloved mentor for many students like Jack Helmuth.

The Helmuths recruited more than 40 Ph.D. alumni and faculty to join their efforts, which resulted in the Ronald and Charlotte Wilder Economics Endowed Fellowship Fund, which will benefit doctoral students in economics.

“This is an expression of appreciation not only to [Wilder] but also to the entire economics department,” Jack Helmuth said. “It was a very supportive atmosphere when I earned my Ph.D., and I see the same camaraderie there now, which is so important to student success and for the continuity of the economics program.”

“Further reflecting upon that appreciation, we decided to establish a companion fellowship to help recruit and retain doctoral students in economics,” Jack Helmuth said.

They are using their own highly appreciated stock and have committed to an estate gift to establish the John A. Helmuth (’81) and Judith Helmuth Economics Fellowship Fund.

Jack Helmuth is a finance professor and former dean at the University of Michigan-Flint, and Judith Helmuth is a vice president at Merrill Lynch.