The University of Florida (UF) on Wednesday announced a $5.5 million gift from Kenneth C. Griffin, founder and CEO of Citadel and founder of Griffin Catalyst, to support the Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education.
The donation is the largest in the Hamilton School’s three-year history and is intended to expand academic opportunities and strengthen UF’s effort to build a nationally competitive classical education program within a major public research institution.
The new funding will establish two programs: the Griffin Fellows, providing graduate fellowships for doctoral candidates committed to scholarship in the Western tradition, and the Griffin Scholars, merit-based undergraduate scholarships. The support will allow students to participate in study-abroad programs, faculty-mentored research, and internships in fields such as law and public policy.
“We are deeply grateful to Ken Griffin for his extraordinary gift and his enduring commitment to education. His continued support for education throughout the state of Florida and the nation has been nothing short of remarkable,” said Mori Hosseini, UF Board of Trustees Chair. “Ken’s investment strengthens UF’s position as a leader in shaping the future of public higher education for the entire nation. UF is preparing leaders who can think critically, communicate effectively and tackle complex challenges with integrity. Those skills will serve our students and the great state of Florida for years to come.”
The Hamilton School, created in 2022 , centers its curriculum on classic texts and discussion-based learning. University leaders say the goal is to offer a model similar to Oxford- or Cambridge-style instruction, emphasizing critical thinking and engagement with works that have shaped Western political and philosophical traditions.
Griffin has previously supported UF, including a $5 million gift in 2021 to expand K–12 computer science education initiatives.
“America’s future depends on preparing the next generation to think critically, reason clearly, and lead with integrity,” said Griffin. “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.”