Driven by Design: Dick Ruzzin’s Enduring Gift to CCS
September 22, 2025
When Dick Ruzzin stepped onto the CCS campus more than a decade ago to support a design project, he had no idea it would spark a lasting connection with the College — or that it would eventually inspire him to create the Dick Ruzzin Endowed Scholarship.
Ruzzin, a Michigan State graduate and celebrated automotive designer with decades at General Motors, was invited to help facilitate a collaborative studio between CCS and a Chinese wheel company exploring U.S. design partnerships. His involvement quickly grew. “I thought I was just going to observe a student review,” he recalled with a smile. “But the instructor had me jump right in.”
That moment — and what happened next — would stay with him.
“I saw a young guy from Detroit rush in to set up his project. He’d been working and couldn’t take time off.
I thought here’s someone trying so hard — that’s who I want to help.”
Years later, when he considered giving back, that memory became the driving force.
“The students that I want to help are the ones who can’t afford it when they get close to graduation. The ones who get down to the end and don’t have enough money. That was the inspiration, where the idea came from.”
Creating Access for Talent That Belongs
With the help of CCS’s advancement staff, Ruzzin established what began as an annual scholarship and later evolved into a permanent endowed fund. His intent was clear: to support committed, creative students who might otherwise be forced to leave their education behind.
Though not a CCS alum himself, Ruzzin has long admired the College’s impact. “Every time I visit campus, I see something that jumps me into the future. You take a step forward as a designer,” he said. “It’s amazing.”
Scholarship in Action: Martina’s Story
One of the students supported by Ruzzin’s gift was Martina Lasku, a Communication Design major in the Class of ’25.
In 2023, Martina’s family experienced a devastating house fire. “Suddenly, my future at CCS was uncertain,” she said. “With so many unexpected expenses, I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to afford to stay in school.”
Receiving the Dick Ruzzin Endowed Scholarship made all the difference.
“Because of that support, I was able to focus on what really mattered — rebuilding, staying in school, and working toward my dream of becoming a Creative Director.”
Martina graduated from CCS in spring 2025 and has shared her story in the hopes of inspiring others.
Ruzzin, upon hearing it, simply said:
“That’s great. That’s exactly the kind of student I had in mind.”
Martina Lasku
Martina Lasku’s Work
A Legacy of Generosity and Mentorship
Over the years, Ruzzin has mentored numerous young designers, both formally and informally — often encouraging them to pursue their creative dreams against the odds. He believes in the power of sharing knowledge, asking for help, and staying connected through community.
“There’s nothing more fun to me than meeting and talking with another designer,” he said. “You share a tremendous history. You understand each other.”
He also believes authenticity is more important than ever.
“We’re inundated with information, and a lot of it’s phony. Authenticity matters — it’s everything.”
Looking Ahead
From his work on iconic vehicles at GM to authoring a book on design leadership, Dick Ruzzin has spent a lifetime shaping the creative world. But what gives him joy now is helping students launch their own journeys.
“These young people are launching their lives. If I can support someone who deserves to be there — who just needs that extra help — I’m glad to do it.”
For more information about establishing a scholarship or to learn more about the College for Creative Studies, please contact Katie Rusak at [email protected] or 313.664.7861.