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mid rising tuition and shrinking public funding, private gifts have become essential for universities. A recent $5 million donation from alumni Rance M. and Angie L. Sanders will rename and revitalize the University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Business real‑estate program. The Rance M. Sanders Real Estate Program will launch a new undergraduate major and expand the existing minor, thanks to the generous contribution from the Sanders Trust founder and CEO, Rance M. Sanders, a Jefferson County resident. Sanders, who serves on the university’s President Council and the 1831 Foundation board, said in the press release that he wants to give students “access to a good education” and “hands‑on learning with top professors.” He noted that many capable students struggle financially and that the gift can help keep them in school.
The donation builds on Sanders’ long‑standing support; he established the Rance M. Sanders Real Estate Scholarship in 2007, awarding roughly $7,500 to up to six students annually. Dean Kay Palan highlighted that Sanders learned the value of preparation and perseverance at Alabama, a lesson that guided him through law school, business, and philanthropy. Over the past five years, the college has seen a 300 % rise in students pursuing the real‑estate minor. The new major will cover development, acquisition, disposition, leasing, appraisal, and property management.
The Rising Tide 2.0 Capital Campaign has already surpassed its $1.8 billion goal, marking the most successful higher‑education fundraising effort in Alabama’s history. The UA Division of Advancement website provides detailed giving guidelines.
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