Partners in Writing and Rewriting History: Philanthropy and Higher Education

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.