Gus Ramirez Receives Donald Driver’s Driven to Achieve Award
On March 24, 2018, Gus Ramirez was one of five Wisconsin individuals honored for their outstanding community efforts at the Donald Driver Foundation’s Fifth Annual Driven to Achieve Awards. Each leader was presented with an award and a $40,000 donation to each of their respective organizations.
Gus Ramirez, executive chairman of Husco International, was recognized for his efforts in spearheading the creation of St. Augustine Preparatory Academy (Aug Prep) located on the near south side of Milwaukee. On August 16, 2017, the school opened its doors to over 600 students in grades K4-3, 6, and 9 — the largest opening of any voucher school in Milwaukee’s history.
The $53 million K-12 campus was funded in large part by the Ramirez family. Gus and his wife, Becky, have been on the front-line of supporting education in Milwaukee and Central America for over 15 years. Aug Prep is the family’s most significant investment in Milwaukee.
Aug Prep offers a transformational educational experience that is rooted in Faith, Family, Academics, and Arts/Athletics. It provides a loving and safe place for children to thrive and succeed: 200,000 square feet of new construction with classrooms, labs and teaching spaces; a health clinic for students and their families, as well as staff members; a gym with an indoor track and a full-size soccer stadium with an outdoor track; an aquatic center with a 10-lane competition pool and a teaching pool; and a playground, two outdoor classrooms, and a handball court.
“St. Augustine Preparatory Academy was built on the belief that no matter who you are, or where you live, you are entitled to an excellent education,” said Ramirez. “By ensuring that each student and their families are comprehensively educated based on their individual needs, each graduate will be an exemplary citizen and impactful contributor to our society.”
Donald Driver’s Driven to Achieve Awards program, presented by Northwestern Mutual, was created to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of multiple charities, companies, and community leaders on a national and local level. In the program’s first four years, more than $1,000,000 has been donated to charitable organizations, including the MACC Fund, Sharp Literacy, Make-A-Wish Wisconsin, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, Blessings in a Backpack, St. Marcus School, Journey House, and others.
Please see the video of Gus talking about receiving the award: www.youtube.com/watch
