University of Michigan Strengthens Research in Social Inequality with Major Donation
In a significant boost to its research in social inequality, the University of Michigan (U-M) has received a $5 million endowment from the Stone Foundation. This funding will further empower the James M. and Cathleen D. Stone Center for Inequality Dynamics to continue its vital investigations into wealth disparity and its implications.
This generous contribution ensures that U-M remains at the cutting edge of research, transforming intricate data into actionable insights to tackle some of today’s most pressing socio-economic issues.
As Alexandra Killewald, the center’s director and Robert F. Schoeni Research Professor in the Survey Research Center, noted, “Wealth inequality in the United States is extreme and has far-reaching consequences for our economic, political, and civic life.” She emphasized, “Thanks to the generous support of the Stone Foundation, we can continue to support cutting-edge research, attract top wealth scholars to our university and mentor the next generation of scholars.”
The Stone Center, pivotal in elevating U-M to a leading position in inequality research, explores how race and family resources impact upward mobility, alongside examining U.S. economic and political frameworks that contribute to economic disparities.
Alexander Adames, an assistant professor of sociology and faculty associate in the Population Studies Center, shared his perspective on joining U-M in August 2025: “I came to Michigan because it offered the perfect community for my highly interdisciplinary research agenda. The community and opportunities provided by the Stone Center made Michigan the choice in deciding where to start my career as a wealth scholar.”
The new funding will enhance support for research initiatives among students and faculty, fostering new mentorship and training opportunities.
Jim Stone expressed his pride in continuing their support, stating, “Cathy and I are proud to continue supporting the Michigan Stone Center’s important work. We are concerned about the impacts of accelerating wealth inequality—including the threat it poses to social cohesion and democracy. The center’s first five years have been remarkably successful, and we look forward to Michigan’s continued leadership in addressing these challenges.”
Established in 2019 at U-M’s Institute for Social Research, the center was renamed the Stone Center in 2021. It delves into the causes and effects of social inequality with a focus on wealth gaps, economic mobility, and housing, analyzing how geographic, political, and institutional influences shape these disparities.
ISR Director Kathleen Cagney remarked, “The top 10% of the U.S. population control the majority of our nation’s wealth and the Stone Center supports critical work advancing our understanding of the implications of wealth inequality.” She added her gratitude, “We’re incredibly grateful to the Stone Foundation for their support.”
Pamela Davis-Kean, director of the Survey Research Center, also expressed appreciation: “This gift reflects a strong commitment to social science and inequality research, and we’re so thankful to the Stones for their continued support of our Center. This generous support allows us to continue to address some of the most pressing research questions of our time.”
Since their initial gift in 2021, the Stones have enabled faculty and students to publish research on topics ranging from economic mobility to the racial wealth gap and the impact of social transfer programs.
