GAINESVILLE – The University of Florida on Wednesday announced a $5.5 million gift from Citadel CEO and philanthropist Ken Griffin to the Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education, the largest donation in the Hamilton School’s history, positioning UF as a national model for rigorous, viewpoint-diverse higher education.
Backed by the UF Board of Trustees and established in 2022 with support from Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature, the Hamilton School immerses students in the classic texts that shaped Western civilization, emphasizing small, discussion-driven seminars led by world-class faculty. Griffin’s gift will launch Griffin Fellows – a graduate fellowship program to attract top doctoral talent committed to teaching in the Western tradition – and Griffin Scholars, merit-based undergraduate scholarships with opportunities for study abroad, faculty-mentored research, and internships in law and public policy.
“America’s future depends on preparing the next generation to think critically, reason clearly, and lead with integrity,” Griffin said in a press release. “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.”
UF Board of Trustees Chair Mori Hosseini called the gift “extraordinary,” crediting continued support from Gov. DeSantis and the Legislature for helping UF and the Hamilton School advance a culture of open inquiry. “Ken’s investment strengthens UF’s position as a leader in shaping the future of public higher education for the entire nation,” Hosseini said.
The announcement follows news that Florida Supreme Court Justice Charles T. Canady will depart the bench to lead the Hamilton School beginning in e2026, succeeding interim director Robert Ingram. That move was disclosed this week and signals UF’s intention to pair a Great Books curriculum with leadership rooted in public service.
In less than three years, the Hamilton School has recruited more than 50 faculty from institutions including Princeton, Harvard, Stanford, and Vanderbilt, spanning political science, history, literature, economics, international relations, and philosophy. UF, Florida’s top-ranked public research institution, conducted a record $1.33 billion in research in fiscal year 2025.
Griffin’s latest commitment builds on his Florida education philanthropy. In September, he pledged $50 million to support Success Academy’s expansion into Florida, his largest education gift in the state, aimed at bringing the network’s high-performing charter model to underserved communities. Griffin also gave $5 million in 2021 to expand UF’s K-12 computer science education program statewide.
For Florida, the gift signals continued momentum behind a flagship public university betting on rigorous scholarship and free inquiry – an emerging counterweight to campus conformity – while opening new doors for students to study the foundations of a free society and lead with purpose.
