University school in Shaker Heights recently announced a transformative $12 million commitment to the school’s multi-phase campus revitalization.

Richard (Dick) Matson has made a $12 million leadership commitment to the $42 million Middle School Project, according to a news release. He recently made an additional commitment of $7 million to his initial gift of $5 million.

Matson is a member of the University School Class of 1953. He graduated from Harvard University, received his law degree from Columbia University, then became a Wall Street expert on insurance securities and later created two hedge funds, the release noted. After owning and operating a vineyard in France with his wife, Cornelia, they moved to Sarasota, Florida.

“USA is pleased to report that the new Middle School addition will now be known as Matson Hall, with the Matson name added to the list of legendary figures who have shaped USA into what it is today,” said Head of School Patrick T. Gallagher stated in the release. “We are grateful that Dick’s enthusiasm for all things America will continue in the lives of boys for generations to come.”

The University School broke ground on the second phase of its updates to the historic Shaker Heights Campus in January 2024. The Middle School updates include completely renovated, state-of-the-art classrooms; another state-of-the-art STEAMworks Innovation Lab; and an indoor “porch” that sweeps across the back of the building, providing communal gathering spaces for the community.

In the first phases of the project, the school renovated and expanded the Welcome Center and lunchrooms, added a new playground with grass and playground, and revitalized the arboretum.

The redesigned Middle School will open in the fall of 2025, the release said