Harvard donor Les Wexner gave university more than $142 million over 35 years, records show

Billionaire philanthropist Les Wexner contributed over $142 million to Harvard University between December 1989 and September 2024, significantly more than the previously reported $42 million, according to records reviewed by The Harvard Crimson. These contributions included $35 million for the Leslie and Abigail Wexner Family Building and $1.5 million for the Wexner Israel Fellowship, the latter fulfilling commitments made before the foundation ended its 34-year relationship with Harvard in October 2023. The Wexner Foundation cited the “dismal failure of Harvard’s leadership to take a clear and unequivocal stand” following the October 7 attacks as the reason for the split.