University of Michigan's Stephen M. Ross School of Business dedicates Jeff T. Blau Hall

ANN ARBOR, MI ⁠— On Friday evening, October 21, 2016, Related Companies executives Stephen M. Ross and Jeff T. Blau joined hundreds of students, faculty and fellow alumni at the University of Michigan for the dedication of the Jeff T. Blau Hall. The $135 million building officially opened its doors in September after two years of construction and a fundraising effort led by a $10 million contribution from Blau.

"The construction project completes a vision of a unified business school complex," added Jeff T. Blau, CEO of Related Companies. "The new buildings keep Michigan Ross at the cutting edge of technology and provide inspiring new spaces to study and work. Most important, however, they are specifically designed to encourage collaboration, creativity and innovation among our students and our staff—and in doing that, they help keep our school among the very best in the world."

The school's new building was designed to unify the complex and add much-needed classrooms, study spaces and faculty and research offices, as well as enhance the non-academic operations to improve the student experience. The development of the Jeff T. Blau Hall is part of a larger effort at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business to add 104,000 gross square feet of new building construction to the campus, and renovate more than 75,000 gross square feet.

"I take special pride in supporting business education at the University of Michigan where I had a life-changing experience that built the foundation for my career and business," said Stephen M. Ross, chairman of Related Companies. "We've always been proud of this school, its people and its accomplishments—but never prouder than we are right now. The future of Michigan Ross has never been brighter."

"Our mission is to develop leaders who use business to create economic prosperity, drive social change and enable communities around the world to thrive," said Scott DeRue, the Edward J. Frey Dean of the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. "And every day, we aspire to provide our students with a truly transformative learning experience. It is through the generosity of people like Steve Ross and Jeff Blau that we are able to bring this mission to life and create a world-class environment for our students, faculty and staff. I am deeply grateful for their generosity and support of our mission, the University and our community."

Both Stephen Ross (class of '62) and Jeff Blau (class of '90) are graduates of the University of Michigan and represent some of the school's biggest supporters. To date, Mr. Ross has donated more than $313 million to the business school and U-M Athletics, making him the single largest donor in the university's history.

**Images of the building are available upon request.

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