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t the University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Business, the real‑estate program has been renamed the Rance M. Sanders Real Estate Program after a $5 million donation from alumni Rance M. Sanders and his wife Angie. Sanders, president and CEO of The Sanders Trust, LLC—a health‑care real‑estate firm operating in 30 states—has been a Birmingham real‑estate stalwart for over four decades and a pioneer in national health‑care property development.

    “I want to give students access to a quality education and hands‑on learning that sharpens real‑world skills,” Sanders said. “Many promising students struggle financially; our gift can help them stay in school.”

    Over the past five years, the minor has grown 300 percent. The new major will train students to develop, purchase, sell, lease, appraise and manage real‑estate assets. The endowment will fund annual case competitions, Live‑Work‑Play experiences and conference attendance for students and advisors.

    Dean Kay Palan noted that Sanders learned the value of preparation and perseverance at Alabama, a lesson that guided his career and now informs his philanthropy. He has supported Culverhouse since 2007 through the Rance M. Sanders Endowed Real‑Estate Scholarship, which awards about $7,500 to up to six students each year.

    Beyond real‑estate, Sanders has built advanced health‑care facilities that enhance patient care, launched Sanders Capital Partners to invest in retail, office and light‑industrial properties, and manages a diversified portfolio through Tusk Asset Management. His Sanders Family Foundation provides scholarships and grants to students in need.

    Sanders serves on the University of Alabama President’s Cabinet and the board of the 1831 Foundation. The University of Alabama, the state’s flagship institution, offers more than 200 degree programs and drives economic growth through research and education.