An upstairs lounge at the University of Michigan business school served as the site of an April 23, 1992, news conference announcing the creation of the William Davidson Institute. The small room was packed with local, state and national reporters. Also present to hail the historic announcement were then-U-M President James Duderstadt, Gov. John Engler and U.S. Sens. Donald Riegle Jr. and Carl Levin. U.S. Treasury Secretary Nicholas Brady was on hand to give the keynote address. But a name not familiar to many in the room would soon become the most important — that of Ted Snyder, a U-M business school professor. Snyder was introduced to the gathering as WDI’s inaugural director by Dean B. Joseph White (now president emeritus of the University of Illinois). Though Snyder had no administrative experience, White knew he had great leadership potential. “Ted went on to do an excellent job,” White said. “He launched a research program, strongly supported student and faculty experiences in emerging- market economies Ted Snyder Four Who Moved It Forward 25th Anniversary 15