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Rather Recognized For Giving To Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University alumnus Dan Rather has been listed in The Giving Back Fund’s second annual Giving Back 30 survey, a ranking of celebrities who have made the largest donations to charity in 2007 according to public records

Rather, who gave $2 million to Sam Houston State University for scholarships and discretionary spending within the university’s communications program, was ranked No. 14 along with Hugh Hefner and Tom Shadyac. Hefner gave $2 million to the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts, and Shadyac donated $2 million to Valley Floor Preservation Partners.

Rather’s contribution, given along with his wife Jean to the Share the Vision capital campaign, is the largest single monetary gift in the university’s history. A long-time supporter of SHSU, Rather received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from then-Sam Houston State Teachers College in 1953.

Oprah Winfrey was the top donor on this year’s Giving Back list. She gave $50,200,000 to the Oprah Winfrey Foundation and Oprah’s Angel Network.

The Giving Back Fund researched media reports of charitable giving, reviewed tax forms, contacted publicists, attorneys, agents, agencies and managers for information on their clients, and sent inquiries to charities known for their celebrity associations.

“Our hope is that celebrities will begin to become more comfortable sharing information about their charitable giving --- perhaps not disclosing everything they give, but sharing enough that they will serve as role-models to their peers and fans,” said Marc Pollick, president and founder of The Giving Back Fund.

A complete listing of the Giving Back 30 for 2007 is available at givingback.org/2007GivingBack30.html.

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SHSU Media Contacts: Julia May
October 28, 2008
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