Michael Rees, a University of Pittsburgh alumnus and co-president of Blue Owl Capital Inc., has donated $30 million to the university’s David C. Frederick Honors College. The contribution will establish the Rees-Chancellor’s Scholars Program, expanding scholarships for students in the Frederick Honors College.
Rees first visited the University of Pittsburgh during a major snowstorm in 1993 as a high school senior. He recalled meeting then-Honors College Dean G. Alec Stewart and being inspired by his approach to education. “He was talking with his hands and waving his arms, and he was so thoughtful and creative. I was immediately excited about what it would be like as a member of the Honors College,” said Rees. “I saw something in him that I wanted to aspire toward. I wanted to have what he called ‘life above the neck.’”
Reflecting on his time at Pitt, Rees said, “I look back at all I have done in my life and where I’ve been able to go, and it all started at Pitt.” He credited the university for providing both academic opportunities and financial support that eased burdens on his family.
The new gift will fund an endowed program supporting full room, board, and tuition scholarships for Frederick Honors College students through an expanded Chancellor’s Scholarship program—of which Rees himself was once a recipient. Sixty-four scholars will receive annual enrichment opportunities such as internships or study abroad experiences.
“This gift will provide never-before-seen possibilities for our most accomplished and ambitious students,” said Nicola Foote, dean of Frederick Honors College. “From day one, they will be connected with research and experiential learning opportunities in a tight-knit and supportive community.”
Chancellor Joan Gabel highlighted the impact of the donation: “Michael Rees exemplifies the possibilities that come from dreaming big — as a student, as a professional and as a philanthropist,” she said. “His transformational gift opens the doors wide to new experiences and new synergies among our top students.”
The funding also allows for recruitment efforts aimed at attracting highly qualified high school students early in their decision-making process—a strategy similar to athletic recruiting.
Another feature of the program is an experience at University College, Oxford, which builds on an existing partnership established through an earlier gift from Pitt trustee David C. Frederick.
Rees stated that giving back to Pitt holds personal significance: “I’ve lived in the New York area for longer than I lived in Pittsburgh, but I still hold on to my roots — those Pittsburgh values instilled by my parents,” he said. “It means a lot to me to be able to give back to my alma mater and support new generations of students who will have the skills and motivation to change the world.”
