February 10, 2014 | Read Time: 1 minute
Amount donated in 2013: $200-million
Beneficiary: University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Background: Mr. Ross founded the Related Companies, a New York real-estate development firm. He also owns a majority stake in the Miami Dolphins football team.
When Stephen Ross pledged $200-million to his alma mater in September, he said he did so to inspire other alumni to give to the University of Michigan’s $4-billion fundraising campaign, which he is leading.
But the 73-year-old philanthropist had practical reasons too, he said: “As a real-estate developer, I acutely understand the impact of well-conceived physical spaces and the influence such facilities can have on the people who use them.”
To that end, he has directed $100-million of his pledge to the university’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business for new study spaces, a new career center, and technology upgrades, and $100-million to improve the university’s athletics facilities.
Mr. Ross previously gave $100-million for a new building and to endow the business school in 2004.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the university in 1962.
The Philanthropy 50: Browse the full list of America’s most generous donors in 2013.
Learn more: See this donor’s listing in our database of major gifts, America’s Top Donors.
