Sanford Weill, former CEO of Citigroup and a philanthropist who has made game-changing contributions to the Ford School, is recognized by Forbes in the magazine’s centennial celebration of the 100 greatest living business minds. In the feature, Weill speaks about the importance of leading a fulfilling life outside of business.
“For me that other life has been philanthropy for the last four decades,” he says.
When the University of Michigan’s School of Public Policy was renamed to honor former U.S. President and U-M alumnus Gerald R. Ford in 1999, more than five-dozen donors contributed close to $15 million toward a new home for the school. The lead gift came from Sanford and Joan Weill, who were close to both Gerald and Betty Ford.
"There isn't a day that goes by when we don't think about President and Mrs. Ford and the wonderful relationship we had with them," Sandy told the school on the tenth anniversary of the building dedication. "They epitomized hard work, humility, and leadership in every facet of their lives. President Ford was never afraid of making a tough decision, even if it was unpopular at the time, and the courage and strength Mrs. Ford displayed openly to the world as she battled addiction was unprecedented and positively changed countless lives forever."