At the Graham School, we are fortunate to have extraordinary members of our community whose curiosity, generosity, and commitment help make our school a vibrant place to learn. One such member is Michael Paulson, MLA’15 and CER ’24 (Basic Program). Michael’s journey through the Graham School opened doors to new ideas, perspectives, and intellectual challenges. Today, through his thoughtful, intentional support, he helps open the same doors for future learners.
From his time in the MLA program to his continued engagement in the Basic Program, Michael’s experience illustrates what defines the Graham community: a lifelong commitment to learning and connection. His curiosity, his love of learning, and his desire to keep exploring new ideas shine through in everything he does. We were honored to speak with Michael about the power of inspired giving and the profound ways the Graham School has shaped his lifelong pursuit of knowledge.
Q: What or who has inspired you to support the Graham School, and why is access to liberal arts education important to you?
Michael: The spark that ignited my enduring relationship with the University of Chicago and the Graham School began during an open house for the MLA program. The session’s focus on cultivating critical thinking and writing resonated deeply with me. By the end of that day, I was committed to the University and the Graham School’s mission.
When I first enrolled, I struggled with self-doubt and wondered if I truly belonged. But I reminded myself of a simple truth: I could fail by trying, or I could fail by not trying at all. The Graham School provided the encouragement and support I needed to persist, to confront fear and uncertainty, and to embrace the joy of learning. Completing a master’s in liberal arts was a truly transformative experience. Graduation day was exhilarating, yet I couldn’t help but wish the journey could go on a little longer.
Returning to study in the Basic Program and the Alumni Sequence, I’ve realized that the Graham School isn’t just a place to learn; it’s a community that opens doors to new ideas and perspectives. At work, I found myself engaged in a conversation about Persian philosophy and exchanging cultural insights with colleagues of Pakistani heritage, an experience I never would have imagined before joining the Graham School.
Q: Can you share the story behind your gift and the legacy you hope it carries forward?
Michael: Over time, I recognized that I had been focused on absorbing the knowledge and opportunities the school offered, and while that is immensely rewarding, it can also create an imbalance in what I think of as the cosmic order. [Human beings may forget the obligations built into existence. But Nature never forgets. There is always a restoring force to reckon with – a rebalancing – when we selfishly take without contributing.] I realized that I wouldn’t feel complete if I kept taking all of this in without finding a way to give back. My gift is an investment in the future, helping to sustain and grow the Graham School’s programs for generations to come.
Dean Seth Green’s leadership inspired me. His energy, groundedness, and deep commitment to the school’s mission motivated me to support him and his team. By providing resources to recruit and retain high-quality instructors, whose teaching lies at the heart of the Basic Program experience, I hope future learners will have the same opportunities I’ve had to explore new ideas and grow intellectually.
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Q: What impact do you hope your gift will have on future Graham learners?
Michael: As previously discussed, I see my gift as a long-term investment. I hope it will strengthen the Graham School’s commitment to intellectual exploration by supporting instructors and the Basic Program, ensuring both immediate excellence and sustainability over the next century.
I am optimistic that my gift will help strengthen a culture of meaningful giving within the Graham community. The school’s programs – MLA, Basic Program, and Alumni Sequence – have significantly influenced my life, and I want to help preserve that legacy. My goal is for the school to continue expanding, innovating, and spreading knowledge, allowing future learners to experience the same thrill of discovery that has fueled my journey.
Q: Can you tell us more about your personal learning journey and what drew you to the MLA and Basic Programs?
Michael: My desire to learn has always been persistent. After completing a master’s in public affairs, I felt a craving for a deeper, more personal intellectual challenge. Attending the MLA open house at the University of Chicago opened a new world for me, a rigorous, stimulating environment where I could explore ideas I’d never encountered before.
The learning journey was intimidating at first, but over time, I found a community of peers who shared my curiosity and approached discussions with open minds and thoughtful perspectives. Being part of the Basic Program deepened that experience, allowing me to explore even more areas of knowledge and engage in meaningful dialogue with others. The school has enabled me to remain intellectually nimble, and the program’s offerings continue to deepen and widen my understanding of the world we live in.
Q: How has your experience with the Graham School community influenced your decision to give?
Michael: The Graham School community stands out as an exceptional group of individuals united by a shared passion for learning. It is a close-knit environment where curiosity is encouraged, and Socratic dialogue is embraced, fostering meaningful engagement among members. Every time I join a class or attend a school event, I feel that shared energy, the excitement of exploring new ideas together. The work is challenging, but the rewards are deeper because we tackle it side by side, learning from one another every step of the way.
Dean Green and his team are integral to that experience. Inspired by their dedication, vision, and subtle leadership, I chose to support the Graham School. My financial gift honors those who made it a vibrant place for learning and helps create a future in which students can share the same remarkable experience.
To learn more about ways to give and help sustain the Graham School’s programs for future generations, visit our Giving to the Graham School page and explore the many opportunities to make a lasting difference.
