GAINESVILLE – The University of Florida on Wednesday announced a $5.5 million gift from Citadel CEO and philanthropist Ken Griffin to the Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education, the largest donation in the Hamilton School’s history, positioning UF as a national model for rigorous, viewpoint-diverse higher education.
Backed by the UF Board of Trustees and established in 2022 with support from Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature, the Hamilton School immerses students in the classic texts that shaped Western civilization, emphasizing small, discussion-driven seminars led by world-class faculty. Griffin’s gift will launch Griffin Fellows – a graduate fellowship program to attract top doctoral talent committed to teaching in the Western tradition – and Griffin Scholars, merit-based undergraduate scholarships with opportunities for study abroad, faculty-mentored research, and internships in law and public policy.
“America’s future depends on preparing the next generation to think critically, reason clearly, and lead with integrity,” Griffin said in a press release. “The Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education stands as a beacon of excellence—fostering rigorous scholarship, open inquiry, and a steadfast commitment to the principles that sustain a free and flourishing society.”…