Ambassador Ronald and Eileen Lappin Weiser were recognized by the Chronicle of Philanthropy as top donors in the U.S. in 2014 because of their $50 million gift to the University of Michigan. Half of the gift was designated for the Weiser Center for Emerging Democracies, and will extend the reach of the center. 

Ambassador Weiser was quoted by the Chronicle of Philanthropy, stating he, "wanted the $50-million to accomplish two things: to draw top thinkers to the University of Michigan and to provide guidance to countries that are making the transition to democracy from authoritarian rule."

Read more about the Weisers' place on the Philanthropy 50 list at: