Bernstein withdraws gift to UM

Submitted by bsand2053 on

http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2016/07/21/bernste…

 

TLDR-Bernsteins donate $3 million dollars for new mulitcultural center.  Student raise objections because it involved renaming Trotter, which is the only place on campus named after an African American.  Bernstein says he had no wish to do that and withdraws the donation rather than just leaving the name as it is.  

 

EDIT-I normally wouldn't post a Freep link but since this has gotten somewhat contentious I thought it was worth it to include Mark's response which a couple other posters have found.  

Apparently he was told that they didn't really need the money for this project.  He also says he never asked for his name to be on it but that it was offered to him and his wife and they accepted it.  

http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2016/07/22/mark-bernstei…

Cranky Dave

July 22nd, 2016 at 12:47 PM ^

anything about Bernstein.  However, I don't really like the fact that he says he's committed to diversity, multiculturism, etc. then recinds the gift since his name doesn't go on the building.  Seems like ego trumps the commitment to noble ideals...

coldnjl

July 22nd, 2016 at 1:12 PM ^

Dude gave 3 million and if the gift came with the stipulation that they rename a building after him and then that becomes a non-starter, I have no problem with him rescinding it. It is easy to ask why he didn't leave the gift, but if you can get a building named after you which may live far longer than your name, that is something significant

bluebyyou

July 22nd, 2016 at 1:24 PM ^

People donate money for a host of different reasons, including naming a building.  If the University told them one thing and the situation changed through no fault of their own, they have every right to withdraw their gift.  Not a lot of people are writing $3 million checks and Michigan damn well respects those that do.

Monocle Smile

July 22nd, 2016 at 1:29 PM ^

I was more critiquing coldnjl's post than Bernstein, seeing as it's entirely possible that withdrawing the gift was the only way to keep the Trotter name on the building.

Not a "lot" of people are writing $3 million checks, but as posted below, that's a steal for naming rights.

drzoidburg

July 22nd, 2016 at 3:06 PM ^

not when you've got billions it's not. Let's keep our dignity and do the right thing please. This would've undermined the point of a multicultural center. It would've been a disgrace to a university that at least pretends to care about diversity

Cranky Dave

July 22nd, 2016 at 2:30 PM ^

Agreed that not a lot of people donate $3mm, for any purpose.  But in my opinion it seems like the naming was more important that the gift.  When I donate to charity (granted not anywhere near $3mm) all I expect is appreciation for giving and that the money is indeed going to the cause I support. 

WolvinLA2

July 22nd, 2016 at 2:46 PM ^

Would it be "better" for him to give the money and want absolutely nothing in return? Sure. But he had lots of options with that 3mil bucks, many of which involve him getting something awesome in return, like a mega yacht or a house in Vail. Typically when people part with large sums of money, they want something in return for it. I find it shitty when people criticize donors who want something in return for a 7 figure donation.

bluebyyou

July 22nd, 2016 at 3:36 PM ^

If someone donates a large gift to Michigan, I'm fine with some ulterior motive like the donor's name on a building.  When Larry Page decides he wants to donate a billion bucks for the world's largest multi-building artificial intelligence complex up north and call it the Google-Page complex, let's send his check back?  And it is only costing him slightly more than 600 million.....cheapskate.

y2mh

July 26th, 2016 at 12:55 PM ^

 Sorry, guess I am too dated, when I was in AA, Bernstein's father Sam, was prominent and started the firm on personal injury law, and was known as one of the first, mid-day TV/Media commercials. Known for the tagline, "Hurt in a car accident, Need a lawyer, Get Justice.. Call Sam!" or just "Call Sam!"

drzoidburg

July 22nd, 2016 at 3:03 PM ^

we shouldn't act shocked when that's practically a requirement to become mega-wealthy. I'd rather no buildings at a public U are named after a vulture capitalist and so on, but that's the choice we have to make. I feel like that path should be left for pro sports stadiums and such. He should never have been offered the naming rights in the first place.

lilpenny1316

July 22nd, 2016 at 2:24 PM ^

He wanted to make a public gesture and was told that putting a name on the building was University policy, so not his request.  But he did want to do something publicly in support of diversity.  



http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2016/07/22/mark-bernstein-university-of-michigan-trotter-multicultural-center/87439088/

My only issue is why does he need to do something publicly?  The Bush family (yes that Bush family) have been longtime donors to Howard University (an HBCU).  You would never know it because they don't request publicity.  I guess not everyone is the same, but as a regent, I think there is probably something he can do in that capacity if he only wants to show public support for diversity.

copacetic

July 22nd, 2016 at 12:47 PM ^

No take backs!



Also, couldn't they still donate the money and not have the buidling named after them? Or is this just about having your name on a building?