Kansas University alumnus and longtime supporter Mike Shinn died Monday in his hometown of Shaker Heights, Ohio, officials said. He was 72 years old.

Shinn graduated from KU in 1966 with a degree in aeronautical engineering, and later he earned an MBA from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, KU said in a release. At KU, Shinn lettered in football and led the team as a co-captain. He was recognized by Academic All-America and the dean’s honor roll.

Mike Shinn

Over the years, Shinn worked for General Electric, Ford Motor Company and Shinn Financial Services, to name a few, the release said. In Lawrence, he helped found the KU Alumni Association’s Black Alumni Network and the African-American Leaders and Innovators Project.

Shinn also served as director of the KU Alumni Association’s national board from 1978 to 1983, the university said. He was honored by the association with the Fred Ellsworth Medallion and the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 2004 and 2008, respectively.

In 2000, Shinn and his wife founded the MIke Shinn Scholars program for minorities studying engineering at KU. Since the program’s inception, 59 Shinn Scholars have earned their degrees.

At the time of his death, Shinn was serving on the KU Endowment board of trustees and the School of Engineering advisory board, the release said.

Funeral services will be held Saturday morning at Mt. Zion Congregational Church in Cleveland.