Nathan Forbes

"What drives our passion for philanthropy at the University of Michigan is the unknown. What are the next potential discoveries? Who will be the next generation of leaders?"

Nathan “Nate” Forbes and his family have been philanthropically involved in the University of Michigan for many years. Recently establishing the Forbes Institute for Cancer Discovery; designed to advance cutting-edge science from the laboratory to patients by stimulating innovative technology and new therapies.

Nate is the managing partner of The Forbes Company, a nationally recognized developer, owner, and manager of luxury shopping destinations. He and his wife, Catherine Forbes, are members of the Greater Detroit Campaign Leadership Council, of which Nathan serves as chair. Nathan and Catherine have generously supported the Varsity Tennis Center, the Al Glick Field House, and the Michigan Stadium. They contributed a lead gift to the Michigan Athletics campus project. Nathan and Catherine served on the Leadership Committee for U-M’s historic Victors for Michigan campaign, which raised more than $5 billion to support students, faculty, capital expansion, and the pursuit of bold ideas.

“What drives our passion for philanthropy at the University of Michigan is the unknown,” Nathan and Catherine said when they were selected for the Hermelin Award. “What are the next potential discoveries? Who will be the next generation of leaders? At Michigan, we strive to be the leaders and best across all disciplines. It starts by having the tools at your disposal when opportunities are presented. The interdisciplinary way of thinking will drive outcomes that will shape our way of thinking for many years to come.”