Inspired by
gratitude
Double alumna Laurie Silvers says the University of Miami has had “a profound influence” on her life. She and her husband are paying it forward with a pledge to Miami Law.
Laurie Silvers, B.A. ’74, J.D. ’77,
Channel 2 and co-chair of
learned the art of analysis in law
South Florida PBS, Silvers also
school. Her favorite activity during
accomplished what others had
her three-year legal education?
failed to do for 20 years: She
Reading Supreme Court briefs and
oversaw the merger of Miami and
deconstructing the arguments.
Palm Beach County’s PBS stations,
After she graduated, Silvers
creating South Florida PBS, the
parlayed her knack for detailed
seventh largest PBS station in the
examination into a brilliant career
country.
in communications law, then went
“Indeed, I credit a lot of what
on to become a savvy entrepreneur,
I’ve been able to accomplish in my
building a media conglomerate of
professional career to the education
radio, TV, cable, and internet and
that I received at the University of
founding what would become one
Miami, both as an undergraduate
of cable television’s most popular
and as a law school student,”
networks: the SyFy Channel.
Silvers pointed out. “It is out of an
Along the way, she never
abundance of appreciation for and
forgot to pay it forward, giving
a recognition of the importance
generously to the university she
of that education that I make this
describes as having a “profound
gift. It’s part of strengthening and
influence” on her life.
supporting the goals of the law
Silvers, currently chair of the
school so that our students have
University’s board of trustees, has
Laurie Silvers, shown at 2021 Homecoming with husband Mitchell Rubenstein,
the best opportunities and the
once again made a substantial
said she is delighted that her latest pledge will help push the University closer
best education possible with the
contribution to her alma mater.
to its Ever Brighter goal.
greatest faculty, scholarships, and
Along with her husband, Mitchell
programs all combined.”
Rubenstein, she has committed $2.5 million to
political science, and philosophy as an
the University’s School of Law.
undergraduate at the University, of her latest
critical, Silvers said, for the field of law is “the
contribution.
foundation for society, touching virtually
The commitment is an example of Silvers’ and Rubenstein’s largesse to the University
Silvers is co-CEO of Hollywood.com,
Supporting the School of Law is
every aspect of life. From innovation to
over the years. Their generosity created an
the majority owner of four Florida FM radio
technology to business to health care, law
endowed distinguished professorship and
stations, and a co-founder and the majority
has an impact over just about everything.
created student scholarships, including one
owner of the global esports organization
It’s truly overarching.”
for students committed to public service. The
Misfits Gaming Group (MGG)—which also
Laurie Silvers and Mitchell Rubenstein Hall,
includes the Miami Heat, Orlando Magic,
pledge will help push the University closer to its
which houses the school’s award-winning
and Cleveland Browns as minority owners.
Ever Brighter goal.
clinics, is named in their honor.
Based in South Florida, MGG competes in
“This is my way of giving back and saying
Silvers said she is delighted that her latest
“Ever Brighter will ensure the University’s
some of the most successful video game titles
growth—that we’ll be able to attract the best
thanks for the education I received at Miami
worldwide and is a permanent partner in three
and brightest faculty and students and build
Law, which has helped me achieve so much,”
franchised esports leagues.
facilities where cutting-edge research will be
said Silvers, who also studied psychology,
The former chair of Miami PBS station
conducted. It’ll be a quantum leap forward.” ILLUMINATE
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SPRING 2022
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