Academic center named for alumnus Ross

The Board of Regents Oct. 21 approved the naming of the new Stephen M. Ross Academic Center, which will provide study space on the athletic campus.

The $12 million, 38,000-square-foot building, scheduled to open in early 2006, is located on State Street, between the Marie Hartwig Building and Yost Ice Arena.

Stephen M. Ross at the Sept. 9, 2004, announcement of his gift to U-M—the largest in University history. (Photo by Martin Vloet, U-M Photo Services)

Ross, a New York City real estate developer and alumnus, provided the lead gift of $5 million to build the academic center. The project was funded privately from Athletic Department gifts, resources and investment proceeds. In all, about 20 individuals and groups made donations.

The center will provide individual and group study areas, computer labs, meeting rooms and assembly areas for group projects for student-athletes and other students.

"Naming the new academic center in honor of Stephen Ross is a fitting tribute to a man who continues to amaze the University of Michigan community with his incredible legacy of giving," President Mary Sue Coleman said. "His extraordinary generosity will benefit all of our students, but especially our student-athletes, by providing them the resources and facilities to help them excel in the classroom just as they do in sports."

Last year, Ross made the largest donation in U-M history when he gave $100 million to the business school, which was renamed the Stephen M. Ross School of Business in his honor. Plans to create new facilities at the business school to support its unique, action-based curriculum are under way (see story on page 1).

Athletic Director Bill Martin says the academic center now is the most important building on the athletic campus.

"This is truly a hallmark event in our athletic department's history," Martin said. "The Stephen M. Ross Academic Center reinforces the fundamental ideals of the University and the academic mission of our athletic department. On behalf of all of our student-athletes who participate in intercollegiate sports, I want to thank Stephen Ross and all of the donors who made this possible."

Ross, founder, chairman and CEO of The Related Companies, said it is extremely gratifying to be able to give back to his alma mater and its outstanding athletic program.

"The University of Michigan is not only a world-class academic institution, but it also has a premier sports program that serves hundreds of student-athletes," Ross said. "The program is successful not only because of the skills and dedication of the student-athletes, but also because of the high standards expected of them—and all U-M students—in the classroom.

"I am very pleased to help provide a top-notch learning environment in a new facility where these student-athletes and others can study and receive academic support. After all, the 'leaders and best' not only refers to the athletes on the sports field, but also to the students in the classroom," Ross said.

Ross, co-chair of the University's $2.5-billion The Michigan Difference campaign, currently serves on Coleman's Advisory Group and the Director's Cabinet in the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.