$1.5 Million Gift from Alumnus for Undergraduate PPE Program
November 13, 2007, Volume 54, No. 12	Print Issue

Steven F. Goldstone, C ’67, has given $1.5 million to the School of Arts and Sciences to strengthen the undergraduate Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) program. Mr. Goldstone, who majored in political science at Penn, has been a key supporter of PPE since 2001, when he gave $2 million to the program. This recent gift will be used to expand PPE-sponsored activities and undergraduate research opportunities, and to support post-doctoral appointments and visiting professors.

PPE’s integration of tools from across three disciplines gives students the flexibility and training to explore a wide range of research topics. With Mr. Goldstone’s support and the leadership of PPE director Dr. Cristina Bicchieri, Carol and Michael Lowenstein Endowed Term Professor of Philosophy and Legal Studies, the program has become one of the most popular majors in the College.

“Steve has been a leader in advancing Penn’s commitment to integrating knowledge,” President Amy Gutmann said. “We are grateful to him for recognizing the vital contribution PPE makes to undergraduate studies at Penn. His gift will help to ensure that the program remains dynamic and strong.”

“Steve Goldstone’s support for this program demonstrates his keen understanding of the critical role this kind of teaching and learning plays in our ability to address the complex issues of 21st-century society,” SAS Dean Rebecca Bushnell said.

Mr. Goldstone’s commitment to the program is further reflected in his continuing personal interaction with students. He meets with PPE majors throughout the year.  He also helps counsel the PPE Undergraduate Advisory Board. 

“It’s a privilege for me and my family to support a major as relevant and exciting as PPE,” Mr. Goldstone said. “The interdisciplinary approach to problem solving is one that appeals to undergraduates, and this program offers that in spades. It really incorporates philosophy, politics and economics to get to the fundamental rights and responsibilities of every citizen.”

Mr. Goldstone holds a law degree from NYU. He is the founder of Silver Spring Group, a private investment firm. He recently joined the board of directors of the global pharmaceutical company Merck & Co., Inc. He is chairman of the board of Conagra Foods, Inc. and a director of two other NYSE-listed companies: American Standard Companies and Greenhill, Inc. Previously, he was chairman and chief executive officer of RJR Nabisco, Inc. Mr. Goldstone recently served as chairman of the Roundabout Theatre in New York, and is chairman of the Founders Hall Foundation and a trustee of the Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art. He is a former member of the SAS Board of Overseers at Penn.