MU | F e a t u r e s
F
rom vehicle power
systems to satellite
communications to
real estate, Mike
Jarvis ’68 is a welltraveled international
entrepreneur with a plan. Always with a
plan. He learned that at Manchester.
The high school sweethearts, married
48 years, have two sons and four
grandchildren. They also support their
church and civic programs in Franklin.
“I am of the opinion that we all want to
help others without expecting anything
back in return,” says Jarvis, who always
is quick to thank the Lord for his
successes.
He remembers well his college days of
potatoes and peanut butter, when his
transportation was by bicycle and how
far he and his wife Sandy could travel
on one tank of fuel per month for their
VW. They were beginning a family and
both were holding down jobs. Hard
work and solid planning enabled Mike
to graduate only $300 in debt.
He learned how to plan in classes
taught by accounting Professor Art
Gilbert ’53 and economics Professor
Dick Harshbarger ’56 and business
Professor Lola Sanger. He got some
pretty solid advice on life’s challenges from
Dean of Students Paul Hoffman ’54, too.
“Manchester planted the seeds for my growth
and success,” says Jarvis, of Franklin, Ind.
“We want to help continue that environment
for future students. We want each student to
know that you have to have an open mind
and a curious outlook. I learned that at
Manchester.”
Earlier this year, the Jarvises made a $2.5
million gift to the Academic Center, home to
half of Manchester’s undergraduate academic
programs, including Mike’s former business
and economics majors. Their leadership
donation to the $100 million Students First!
Campaign for Manchester was no surprise.
Through the years, the Jarvises have given
generously to the University, especially to
environmental, accounting and athletic
programs, and to The Manchester Fund.
Jarvis has given his time, too, as a highly
engaged member of Manchester’s Board
In 1983, Jarvis founded Franklin
Power Products – supplying engines,
transmissions and electrical systems for
trucks, automobiles and even trains.
The business would grow to 2,700
employees at 16 locations in the United
States and Canada with Ford, GM,
Chrysler, Nissan, International and
Toyota among its customers. He sold
the company to Delco Remy, staying
on as president and manager of the
Powertrain Division until 2004.
“I am of the opinion
that we all want to
help others without
expecting anything
back in return.”
– Mike Jarvis ’68
of Trustees for 10 years and currently on the
Students First! Campaign Cabinet.
“Manchester has not been blessed with excess
dollars to waste,” says the proud graduate,
noting that “Manchester has produced more
results with fewer funds than most higher
educational institutions. The number of scholars,
accomplished leaders, teachers and most
important – sound, strong people who enjoy life
and seek to make this world a better place for
mankind – are typical of this institution.”
Then, he established Jarvis Enterprises,
with numerous companies engaged
in telecommunications, automotive
technology, real estate, farming and
health technology. Jarvis also is active in
automotive racing and race car engine
development for USAC Sprint Car
racing.
He embraces a straightforward
philosophy for success: “Whatever you
get involved in, do the best that you can
at it. Make the most of it.”
And have a plan – a strategic plan, a
direction. “That’s true whether you
are in Indiana; Edmonton in Alberta,
Canada; Stuttgart, Germany; or Warsaw,
Poland. And at Manchester University,”
he says.
“I’m 70 and I plan to keep working, to
keep making 15-year plans. That’s fun.”
By Jeri Kornegay
Manchester | 25