Warren G. Lichtenstein, founder and executive chairman of the global holdings company Steel Partners Holdings, has given a $1 million gift to spur first-time donors to support Only the Audacious, the campaign for an ever bolder Tulane. 

Lichtenstein’s gift establishes the Steel Partners Challenge, which will match gifts to Tulane that are not restricted for a specific purpose but are given to support the campaign’s goals. The challenge reflects Lichtenstein’s commitment to encouraging personal philanthropy and to building a wide community of donors at Tulane, which he attended.   

“In the most inspiring and generous manner, Warren Lichtenstein has shown his support for Tulane’s mission of lifesaving and transformative research and scholarship,” said Tulane President Mike Fitts. “The Steel Partners Challenge will increase the impact of all giving to Tulane.”

“It’s important to reach young alumni and get people, in general, more engaged early on with even a little bit of giving,” Lichtenstein said. “As time goes on, they are likely to have a greater affinity toward the university and be more willing to give as they progress in their careers and their lives.”

Lichtenstein founded Steel Partners Foundation in 2001 as a way to support philanthropic causes within the communities where he and his family live and work, with an emphasis on causes related to children, education and sports.