Real estate developer and alumnus Stephen M. Ross today donated an additional $50 million to the University of Michigan, bringing his total lifetime giving to $378 million.
The majority of the new gift will support career development programs for students, innovative action-based learning experiences such as student-run investment funds and new business ventures, and resources for attracting and developing junior faculty.
The new gift creates:
A $16 million Student Success initiative that will help students develop career and professional skills, build a robust network of advisers and career advocates, personalize their learning journey, and access internships and career opportunities with leading companies around the globe. The Student Success initiative will help realize the vision of Michigan Ross as the most powerful career accelerator and best source of leadership talent in business education.
A $16 million Stephen M. Ross Faculty Support Fund for faculty who develop academic innovations that advance the school's commitment to action-based learning, interdisciplinary education and leadership development. The fund also will support expanded mentoring and coaching for junior faculty, prestigious junior faculty professorships and additional research support—all of which will help Michigan Ross attract and retain rising stars in business education.
An $8 million Stephen M. Ross Student Investment Fund for academic programs and learning experiences in asset and investment management, including venture capital, private equity, commercial real estate and publicly traded securities. The fund will enable Michigan Ross to continue developing the world's most innovative portfolio of student-run investment funds and build academic programs that accelerate student learning and career placement.
The rest, $10 million, goes toward completing and maintaining the Ross School campus.
He can do what he wants with his money, but it could definitely be put to better use than improving the already well funded Ross school for the educational benefit of just a lucky 2 or 3 thousand kids.
I wonder realistically how much money would it take to bring the undergrad Biz to a #1 ranking and the MBA to a top 3.
Maybe a billion dollars since apparently $378 million is not enough.
I wouldn’t be surprised if most of his wealth goes to Michigan in his will when he passes