Pitt is launching a premier scholars program with a $30M gift from alumnus Michael Rees

The University of Pittsburgh has received a $30 million gift from Michael Rees (ENGR ’97, A&S ’97) and family to create a program within its highly ranked honors college to attract outstanding first-year students and support them over the course of their undergraduate degree.

The gift creates an endowed fund that will expand the number of David C. Frederick Honors College students receiving full room, board and tuition scholarships through the existing Chancellor’s Scholars program. The cohort of 64 students at a time, now known as Rees-Chancellor’s Scholars, will each receive an annual, funded enrichment opportunity to cover the cost of experiential learning opportunities, providing them financial support to pursue their passions and develop their leadership.

“Michael Rees exemplifies the possibilities of a Pitt education,” said Chancellor Joan Gabel. “His transformational gift not only ensures that the best and brightest continue to choose and be served by Pitt, but that our honors college continues its incredible momentum.”

This gift will create one of the most holistic scholarship programs and robust honors college education in the country through an individualized educational and co-curricular program supported by dedicated advisors. In addition to providing generous scholarship support and funding for research, internships, career development, networking and other enrichment experiences, the gift will add additional staff members to the Frederick Honors College, creating a team dedicated to supporting the cohort. The new team members will establish a recruitment pipeline to attract the best candidates and will work with each student to personalize their Frederick Honors College experience, receiving targeted guidance in applying and preparing for international scholarships, such as Rhodes and Fulbright.

“My time at Pitt laid the foundation for my career, and my honors program experiences are what really shaped me into the person I am today,” said Rees, who earned bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering and political science from the University. “I’m excited to see the next generation of students enjoy even greater benefits and to help this program reach new heights.”

At a meeting with students just prior to the announcement of the gift on Nov. 14, Rees advised them to always be engaged and to make the most of their opportunities at Pitt. A large portion of the gift will be used to offer the scholars experiential learning, which Rees said is important in creating well-rounded graduates — and something employers value. 

Throughout his undergraduate career, Rees was an active participant in the University Honors College, received a Chancellor’s Scholarship and won the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship. He received a Department of Defense Research Fellowship and earned graduate degrees in mechanical engineering and technology policy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He later founded Dyal Capital, which is a predecessor firm to Blue Owl Capital Inc., where Rees is co-president and a member of the board of directors.