From a humble $10 donation upon his graduation to cumulative lifetime giving of more than $1 million, former Ambassador W. Robert Kohorst, ’78, has transformed an initial act of generosity into a lasting legacy of support at Michigan Law.
Kohorst has contributed to several key Law School initiatives over the years, including the campaign that built what is now Jeffries Hall, and has supported the Law School Fund for decades. Most recently, he has focused on faculty recruitment.
“My wife, Shelley Allen, and I focus on educational institutions that have helped us succeed, and Michigan Law is high on that list,” he says. “We enjoy seeing the direct result of what our gifts can do, especially if they enrich the educational experience and help maintain Michigan Law’s stature as a premier institution.”
The Kohorsts’ most recent gift emerged from a conversation with then Dean Mark West about the ongoing need to recruit visiting faculty to further enrich the academic experience at Michigan Law. One hurdle was Ann Arbor’s limited supply of adequate, short-term housing near campus—so the Kohorsts decided to purchase a house near the Quad and make it available for visiting scholars.
“My brother-in-law graduated from U-M’s Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning and is an architect based in Ann Arbor,” says Kohorst, referencing Chris Allen, BS.Arch ’86, M.Arch ’89. “I decided to buy a duplex within walking distance from the Law School and worked with him to remodel it. We created two apartments that each house visiting faculty members for the duration of their time at Michigan Law. Shelley oversaw the furnishing and decorating of the spaces. It was a fun project for my family and our way to innovatively benefit the Law School and its standing in the collegiate community.”
As a Michigan Law student, Kohorst had the classic residential experience, living in the Law Quad for three years.
“My time there consisted of camaraderie and close access to sports activities, the classrooms, and the Law Library,” says Kohorst, who earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Dayton. “It was a great environment.”
Ambassador W. Robert Kohorst, ’78My wife and I enjoy seeing the direct result of what our gifts can do, especially if they enrich the educational experience and help maintain Michigan Law’s stature as a premier institution.
A varied and successful career
After graduation, Kohorst clerked for the Hon. Albert J. Engel on the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. He practiced law at a midsize firm in California until one of the firm’s clients, Public Storage, recruited Kohorst as an investment banker.
He worked for Public Storage for six years before leaving to pursue his goal of owning a business. He bought and served as CEO and principal of Tiger Shark Golf Inc. and Masquerade International Inc. One year later, he founded KH Financial Inc. (now Everest Properties), which purchases and operates apartment, self-storage, and retail properties.
Giving back for the future of others
Kohorst’s diverse career has deepened his philanthropic interest. His gifts to Michigan Law are just one of many instances in which he has stepped in to serve a greater collective.
From 2018 to 2021, he was the US ambassador to the Republic of Croatia. He took this position after asking then White House chief of staff Reince Priebus how he could be of service.
“I had a desire to serve the country in a meaningful way,” he says. “For those three years, I utilized my business philosophy to get things done and make an impact.”
Kohorst, now retired from business, has handed off control of Everest Properties to his two sons. However, he remains busy with other endeavors, including being part of the LA Olympic Committee leadership, where he will be the liaison between the committee and Croatia and between the committee and the sport of team handball for the Summer 2028 Games.
As he continues to inspire others through his philanthropy and leadership, Kohorst proves that true success is measured not just by personal achievement but by the legacy we leave for those who follow. He is pictured above with his wife, Shelley Allen, and their granddaughter, Audrey.
