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Ross "admits to being a sucker for good
causes" and "gives because it feels good."

"I want to be sure [Michigan] can con-
tinue to attract great student athletes that
not only care about winning, but also
have great character; said Ross, whose
gifts support the athletic program.
Brian Brodsky of West Bloomfield
received his undergraduate business
degree as the Ross School of Business
facility was being constructed. It was
common for students to "see Steve visit
during the year and get interviews with
his firm since they hire students on
campus and actively participate in stu-
dent projects:' he said.
The Ross School of Business offered
Brodsky the chance to further his real
estate interest as a dual JD/MBA can-
didate, making it easier for him to stay
in Detroit this summer and intern at a
top law firm.
"Steve Ross truly embodies our mis-
sion to develop leaders who make a
positive difference in the world," said
Alison Davis-Blake, dean of U-M's Ross
School of Business.
"His commitment to philanthropy is
an inspiration to our students and helps
make the point that one can be success-
ful in business by being community-
minded. The historic gifts he has given
to our school have paved the way for
generations of business leaders who
will have a strong understanding of the
importance of giving back:"

A Pledge To Give

The Giving Pledge, founded by
Microsoft founder Bill Gates and
Berkshire-Hathaway founder Warren
Buffett, challenges the world's wealthiest
individuals to commit the majority of
their wealth to charity. The list includes
Detroiters Dan and Jennifer Gilbert and
former Detroiters Eli and Edythe Broad.
In the letter noting his commitment
to the Giving Pledge, Ross doesn't
flinch from remembering his roots
growing up middle-class in Detroit.
"I never lost sight of a lesson I
learned as a young boy from my Uncle
Max Fisher:' wrote Ross in the letter.
"Max, a devout philanthropist, taught
me the impact and influence you can
have in making the world a better
place. He taught me that with wealth
comes responsibility:'
Ross sought to go public with the
Giving Pledge to inspire others the way
that his late uncle inspired him, he said.

Life Lessons Learned

This brings us to Ross' second — and
most important — lesson. Lesson No. 2
revolves around the value of the things

learned outside of the classroom. Ross
noted the influence of his parents,
his early friend Jerry Halperin and, of
course, his Uncle Max.
Ross far surpassed the expecta-
tions Halperin had
envisioned for his
career. The late Max
Fisher shared simi-
lar thoughts several
years back when he
called Ross' initial gift
"magnificent" and
Max Fisher
described Ross as a
"remarkable young
man who wanted to do the right thine
Max's son Phillip Fisher said,
"Stephen epitomizes the values and
legacy of his Uncle Max. My father
constantly challenged Stephen to pay
it forward, and Stephen exceeded
all expectations set for him. We are
grateful to have Stephen advance
the University of Michigan with his
notable financial contributions and his
leadership of the capital campaign:"
Ross' sister, Sherry Medsker of
Franklin, is extremely proud of
Stephen, "a truly wonderful brother"
and looks back fondly on the great
childhood they shared. When Sherry
suffered through cancer, her brother's
advice had a transformative impact on
her life; giving her resolve and hope,
she said. She knows her parents would
have been thrilled to see what he has
accomplished. She also said that her
grandfather William Fisher had a great
influence on him. "He and Max Fisher
taught Stephen that the most impor-
tant thing you have in your life is your
reputation:' she said.
Ross "admits to being a sucker for
good causes" and "gives because it feels
good:'
Thirty years ago this fall, Stephen's
mother, Gail Ross, started publish-
ing Rosh Hashanah greetings in the
Detroit Jewish News, wishing health,
happiness and prosperity to others in
the community.
Through Ross' donation to U-M,
scholarships were developed to contin-
ue the generosity he learned from her
example. He hopes the scholarships will
ensure that the University of Michigan
can serve the best and brightest —
regardless of financial background.
The millions Ross donated will
allow tens of thousands of students to
gain an upper hand in the classroom,
in the community, in the arena — and
in the game of life. In the world of
Stephen M. Ross, it's all related.

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