$50 million latest gift to graduate campus brings Lifestyles Magazine/Meaningful Influence cover subject mega philanthropist Stephen M. Ross’s gifts to higher education near the half a billion mark

Visionary real estate developer and philanthropist Stephen M. Ross has pledged $50 million to Vanderbilt University’s ambitious $520 million graduate campus in West Palm Beach — a gift that cements his status as one of the most transformative donors in the history of higher education.

The donation marks a milestone in Vanderbilt’s effort to build a state-of-the-art campus focused on business, technology, and innovation — and it comes from a man with no prior affiliation to the university. Instead, Ross’s motivation lies in a bold vision for West Palm Beach as a thriving nexus of education, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity.

“When we look at successful cities, they all share certain elements — strong educational institutions, innovation capabilities, a dynamic workforce, and a high quality of life,” said Ross. “Supporting Vanderbilt helps ensure West Palm Beach has these critical components to evolve and become the model American city.”

Ross’s gift, alongside a $5 million contribution from Vanderbilt alumnus Cody Crowell, has helped the university raise $77 million toward its initial $300 million goal. The project is part of Vanderbilt’s broader “Dare to Grow” campaign, a $3.2 billion fundraising effort to expand the university’s reach and global impact.

The new graduate campus, scheduled to open in fall 2026, will serve approximately 1,000 students annually. It will host programs from the Owen Graduate School of Management, including the Executive MBA and master’s in finance, as well as AI, data science, and computer science degrees.

A significant feature will be an innovation hub designed to drive entrepreneurship and community collaboration.

The campus is being developed on seven acres of donated public land, valued at nearly $60 million, in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach. Designed by Elkus Manfredi Architects, the facilities will include a lush tropical arboretum and vibrant outdoor gathering spaces that reflect both South Florida’s natural beauty and Vanderbilt’s “One Vanderbilt” philosophy.

Ross, a 1962 graduate of the University of Michigan, has now given around half a billion dollars to higher education.

His name graces Michigan’s Ross School of Business, where he has played a central role in advancing the university’s global profile.

He is also the founder and chairman of Related Companies, the firm behind New York’s Hudson Yards, the largest private real estate development in U.S. history.

In South Florida, Related has led transformative commercial and residential development in downtown West Palm Beach — making Ross’s support of Vanderbilt’s new campus a natural continuation of his broader urban vision.

“Stephen Ross doesn’t just fund projects. He envisions ecosystems,” said Vanderbilt Chancellor Daniel Diermeier.

“His gift is helping to bring our bold vision to life — one that will not only benefit our students and faculty, but elevate the entire South Florida region.”

Crowell, a 2007 Vanderbilt graduate and principal at Frisbie Group, called West Palm Beach “the nation’s new financial hub,” citing a regional economy with over 250,000 financial services professionals and nearly 20,000 firms.

“This community and Vanderbilt are coming together at the right time to catapult both to global notoriety,” Crowell said.

As construction progresses, the Vanderbilt West Palm Beach campus promises to become a beacon of education, innovation, and economic dynamism.

Thanks to Stephen Ross’s exceptional generosity, its future looks promising.