HP Foundation honors Flaxman with endowed scholarship

A beloved alumnus who displayed unfailing mentorship for students and support for Olin Business School now has another enduring legacy in his name: An endowed scholarship that will provide full tuition for undergraduate students for years to come.

A beloved alumnus who displayed unfailing mentorship for students and support for Olin Business School now has another enduring legacy in his name: An endowed scholarship that will provide full tuition for undergraduate students for years to come.

Jon Flaxman, MBA 1981, died in March 2018, just a few months after taking part in the sort of alumni support that came naturally: He welcomed 21 Olin students to HP Inc. headquarters, where he served as COO, during the students’ West Coast career trek.

Flaxman had risen through the ranks during a 36-year career at Hewlett-Packard before becoming second-in-command at HP Inc. To honor Flaxman, his former company established and endowed the Jon & Lauri Flaxman HP Inc. Scholarship at the $1 million level.

The company made the announcement at the time of his death.

“Supporting this scholarship was an easy decision for the company. Jon was a longtime, dedicated contributor to the HP community. Anyone who knew him also knew how dearly he loved Washington University and Olin Business School,” HP Inc. said in a statement. “We are honored to carry on Jon’s legacy in this way.”

Contributions from colleagues

Even beyond the company’s gift, hundreds more family members and former colleagues contributed privately to the fund, bringing the total amount raised for the endowed scholarship to more than $1.1 million.

The Flaxmans had funded annual scholarships at Olin since 2011, supporting several students in the process.

“Through their long-term support of the university, the Flaxmans embody the community-wide spirit that makes WashU such a special place,” said Andrew Martin, Chancellor of Washington University. “This scholarship established in their honor will continue to sustain the university and make a significant difference in the lives of our students.”

One such student, Aman Grover, BSBA 2021, said he had an opportunity to meet Jon and Lauri in October 2017. The following year, Grover was named the inaugural recipient of the newly established Jon & Lauri Flaxman HP Inc. Scholarship.

“This has taken a huge burden off the shoulders of my family, and I get to experience college as someone with immensely more financial freedom as a result,” Grover said. “The scholarship in his name—that’s going to similarly help change the lives of many students coming after me as well.”

Generous contributions to Olin

Jon Flaxman’s postgraduate work with Olin went well beyond scholarship support. He gave generously to name a study room in Knight Hall in 2014; served on the San Francisco Regional Cabinet; volunteered as the San Francisco leader for Leading Together: The Campaign for Washington University; and served on Olin’s National Council as well as the university’s Parents Council.

Jon and Lauri Flaxman’s son Brian earned his undergraduate degree from Olin in 2012. Their niece, Jen Flaxman, is a graduate student in the Brown School.

“Jon’s influence on Olin Business School—and on our students—will not be forgotten,” said Dean Mark Taylor, the Donald Danforth Jr. Distinguished Professor of Finance.

We are truly grateful for HP’s extraordinary generosity in honoring Jon with this endowment. This gift shines a bright light on the company’s deep commitment to its employees and its worldwide philanthropic support for education. 

Mark Taylor

Based in Palo Alto, Calif., HP Inc. creates technology designed to improve lives for people around the world, with a product portfolio that includes printers, PCs, mobile devices, solutions, and services. The company employs more than 40,000 people in offices spanning the globe, including the Americas, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

For those interested in making a contribution, click on the Washington University in St. Louis endowment page and follow these steps: I want to support: Olin Business School and select “Olin Business School Scholarships;” Gift details: Check the box that says: This gift is a tribute in honor or memory of someone and enter: “Jon and Lauri Flaxman HP Inc. Endowed Scholarship Fund” in the designation section.