$50 million naming gift to university from philanthropists James and Patricia Anderson

James and Patricia Anderson, two proud Detroiters whose lives and legacy have been intertwined with Wayne State University, are giving back in a monumental way. Their newly announced $50 million donation — the largest in the university’s 157-year history — will transform the College of Engineering, which will now bear their names.

But for the Andersons, the gift isn’t about buildings or naming rights — it’s about people.

“We’re not investing in bricks and mortar,” said James Anderson, 80. “We’re investing in minds, in spirit, in drive. We want to empower the next generation of problem-solvers, entrepreneurs, and inventors right here in Detroit.”

The gift will support faculty recruitment, doctoral fellowships, student research experiences, and deep industry partnerships that provide real-world opportunities. It’s a continuation of the Andersons’ mission to foster innovation and open doors — something they know a little about.

James Anderson, a civil engineering graduate of Wayne State, went on to found Urban Science, a Detroit-based global data analytics firm that reshaped how car companies market and place dealerships. The spark that ignited it all? A classroom visit and a question from a student working at General Motors — who later introduced him to Patricia, now his wife of many years.

“If not for Wayne State,” Anderson said, “I wouldn’t have had the chance to build the business, meet Patricia, or have the life I’ve had. This gift is a thank you — and a promise to the future.”

University President Kimberly Andrews Espy called the donation “transformative,” not only for Wayne State but for the city and the state.

“This is about so much more than dollars. The Andersons are investing in possibility — in Detroit’s future, in our students, and in the discoveries we can’t yet imagine,” Espy said to a crowd of more than 150 during the announcement.

The donation will serve as a cornerstone for a broader fundraising campaign set to launch in 2026. It also builds upon the Andersons’ previous support, including funding the Engineering Ventures Institute, which helps students and faculty bring their tech innovations to market.

Born in Algonac and raised in a family where every dollar counted, James Anderson said Wayne State was a place where hard work could open doors.

“I picked Wayne State because I could afford it. It was close to home. And it gave me a shot,” he said. “I want students today to have that same shot — and more.”

With over 850 employees worldwide and a reputation as a pioneer in automotive data analytics, Urban Science remains a symbol of what’s possible when education, innovation, and community align — a synergy the Andersons are now paying forward.

“We believe in the power of Detroit, and we believe in the power of its people,” Patricia Anderson said in a statement. “This is our way of giving back to the place that gave us everything.”