Definition

In academia, the generous soul whose name now adorns a building in exchange for a tax-deductible fortune, ensuring their legacy outlives their actual contributions to knowledge. These benefactors range from altruistic philanthropists to wealthy individuals desperate for their kids to get admitted despite mediocre grades. Universities cultivate donors like rare orchids, with dedicated departments whose job is basically professional befriending of rich people.

Example Usage

The new science building was named after a donor who made his fortune in fossil fuels, which the environmental studies department found deeply ironic.

Source: Academic fundraising terminology

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See “donor” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.

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