Donations To Already Wealthy Colleges

There’s something to the idea of special attention, but I think it more often stems from genuine attachment. These are people who can get their egos stroked anywhere, but they give back to the place that nurtured them, just as we smaller donors do. I think of the Ryan family at my alma mater, Northwestern. They’re clearly not shy about putting their name on things—the football stadium is Ryan Field, basketball is played at Welsh-Ryan Arena and they just backed the Ryan Fieldhouse, the best indoor football practice facility in the country. But if it were just about adulation, they could have stopped at one. It makes them happy to give students of today and tomorrow a better experience.