Partners in Writing and Rewriting History: Philanthropy and Higher Education

Abstract

Hearkening back to the historic relationship between philanthropy and higher education is useful for two reasons. First, it allows us to examine history in a more complete context. Second, it allows us to draw contemporary parallels. Rather than building institutions, today ’ s transformational donors appear interested in how institutions build communities. While further research is needed, connections between the motives of today ’ s donors and the outlets for their giving seem to indicate an opportunity for affecting change in the academy ’ s internal operations (including those of development), and in making a transformative impact on the institution ’ s role in society.