Leland Bisbee

Getting to Know Leland Bisbee

Leland (Biz) Bisbee graduated from the University of Michigan Business School in 1969. During his time at Michigan, he was an accomplished member of the 1967-69 men's swimming and diving teams, lettering for legendary head coach Gus Stager. An All-American all three years, Bisbee served as team captain his senior year and was the 1969 Big Ten 100-yard butterfly champion.

He has generously chosen to give back to the Michigan swimming program and has fully endowed a $1 million dollar men's swimming and diving scholarship, the Leland S. Bisbee, III Men's Swimming Endowment. Below, he discusses his time at Michigan and why he chooses to give back. Thank you, Biz!

Why Michigan?

"My grandfather and father went to U-M, and I grew up in Jackson, about 45 minutes from Ann Arbor. So, growing up, I always had an allegiance to Michigan. The football games were what gave me that initial connection to the school. Once I began getting recruited by universities across the country for swimming, I thought back to Michigan. They had a great team culture and the program had an amazing reputation, so I thought it would be best for me to swim for Michigan."

Favorite memories from Michigan?

"Outside of swimming, Michigan gave me my family. I got married and had my first child my sophomore year at Michigan, which is probably my best memory. In terms of swimming, my best memories came towards the end of my career. My senior year, I was named captain of the team. Every year I got better and stronger, which led me to a successful senior year."

How did being a student-athlete at Michigan help later in life?

"Being a student-athlete at Michigan helped me a lot. Before college, and in college, I was not the smartest guy. But, going to business school at Michigan gave me a great foundation. Not only was I able to learn the basics of business, but being in business school taught me how to deal with people. Getting along with people is one of the most important things not only as a businessman, but in life in general. As a swimmer, I had to learn how to get along with people both individually and as a teammate, and the lessons I learned in interacting with others is something that greatly benefited me later in life. Being a student-athlete also taught me confidence. I knew if I worked hard, tried and stuck with swimming, I would do well, and this is something I carried on with me beyond college, valuing it heavily as a businessman. I ran my business for 40 years, and it went well because I kept at it. This perseverance and determination is something I learned in business school and as a swimmer at Michigan, and I've carried it with me throughout my life."

On giving back to the swimming program

"Swimming has taught me a lot. It has been the axis of my entire life, from when I started as a young kid all the way to today. I still swim frequently. Swimming for Michigan was the highlight of my swimming career, and I appreciate everything the program did for me. I always told myself that if I was able to do well with my career and with my business that I'd give back to the Michigan swimming program. Four years ago, I sold my company, and it was successful enough to provide me with the ability to give back to Michigan."

Advice to current Michigan student-athletes

"My main advice is to keep the culture of Michigan Athletics on a good strong path for the future. Continue to work hard, both in school and in sports. This combination is really valuable to carry on throughout your life, beyond college. As an institution, Michigan has it all. Great education, great athletics, great people - everyone has the common goal of wanting to do something with their lives. All the people I met at Michigan were good people, and that is true of alumni as well. The alumni network is so extensive, so take advantage of that. Michigan and the Block M are recognized around the world as a leader and best, and that reflects over to you, so take the opportunities that a Michigan education gives you."