The entrepreneur and philanthropist is a major advocate for inclusive health care and other worthy causes, with donations, both personal and through his foundation, exceeding $1.5 billion.
B. Thomas Golisano will receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB). UMB's honorary degree recipients are being featured in “The Elm” leading up to this year's graduation ceremonies.
About B. Thomas Golisano
Thomas Golisano is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader who has demonstrated an ongoing dedication and commitment to building innovative businesses, supporting numerous nonprofit organizations, and advocating for inclusive health.
Mr. Golisano is the founder of Paychex, Inc., serving as president and CEO from 1971 until 2004. In addition, he has actively invested in private businesses throughout various industries. Over the past five years alone, through his private investment firm, Grand Oaks Capital, Mr. Golisano has invested over $550 million in 20 businesses. Notable past investments include the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres, Safesite, Greenlight Networks, and Kodak.
Mr. Golisano and Paychex have consistently been recognized by business, financial, and national media. He was listed among the top 10 bosses in the United States by Forbes magazine for three consecutive years (2002-2005); the annual ranking is based on chief executives who provide the best balance between their compensation and shareholder return.
In 1985, Mr. Golisano launched the Golisano Foundation, now one of the world's largest foundations providing grants to organizations providing opportunities for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. His philanthropic contributions, both personal and through the foundation, have exceeded $1.5 billion to help hospitals, educational institutions, disability services, animal welfare, and many other organizations.
In October 2025, Mr. Golisano formed the Golisano Children’s Alliance, a group of 15 hospitals across the United States that have received substantial funding from the billionaire philanthropist and will be able to bring together children’s hospitals to expand services, strengthen collaboration, and ensure that children and families have access to the highest-quality medical care close to home. The University of Maryland Children’s Hospital received a historic $50 million gift and joins 10 others in the alliance adding the Golisano name. This was the largest gift in the history of UMB and the University of Maryland Medical System.
He also formed and financially supports the Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship where students in Rochester and Buffalo, N.Y., receive a high-quality business certificate and write their own entrepreneurial success story without having to take on substantial debt.
His global commitment to advancing inclusive health for people with intellectual disabilities has exceeded $95 million. This includes the 2012 launch of Special Olympics Healthy Communities, which has improved health care for people in more than 120 countries on six continents, as well as the Golisano Autism Center, the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing at St. John Fisher College, and more.
Mr. Golisano’s advocacy for civic and political causes encompasses founding the Independence Party in New York State, which acquired ballot status in 1995; a three-time run for New York governor; establishing the Responsible New York political action committee; and being a major underwriter of the Clinton Global Initiative.
His first book, “Built, Not Born,” was published in 2020, featuring Mr. Golisano’s trademark direct and often-humorous style and no-nonsense advice across all phases of business ownership. The guide for entrepreneurs became a best-seller, hitting No. 5 on the list of nonfiction best-sellers released by Publisher’s Weekly and No. 7 on The Wall Street Journal’s list.
Kudos from UMB
“Tom Golisano’s generosity and transformative gifts enable our Children’s Hospital to move forward as a bold leader in pediatric health across Maryland and beyond, enabling us to invest in cutting-edge technology and inspiring innovation. Tom is truly a remarkable individual who has put children’s health at the heart of his philanthropic mission.”
— Mark T. Gladwin, MD, Dean and John Z. and Akiko Bowers Distinguished Professor, UMSOM, and Vice President for Medical Affairs, UMB
“Tom Golisano’s lifelong dedication to making the world a better place for children and humanity alike stands as an inspiration to our graduates and community. In every respect, Mr. Golisano embodies the ideals of health care, education and civic leadership that help define the mission of UMB.”
— Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS, President, University of Maryland, Baltimore
“Tom Golisano’s historic $50 million gift came at a time of urgency and opportunity for pediatric care in Maryland. It will have lasting impact across generations of children and families. We are deeply grateful to Tom Golisano for his vision and generosity, and we are incredibly excited to build on the momentum this gift will bring to Baltimore.”
— Heather S. Culp, JD, Senior Vice President, UMMC; Senior Associate Dean for development, UMSOM; and chief philanthropy officer, University of Maryland Medicine
Mr. Golisano Says …
What was your reaction to learning that you’d receive an honorary degree from UMB?
“I was honored and grateful. UMB is doing work that matters, especially through its health care, research, and service to the community. I also appreciate its connection to the University of Maryland Golisano Children’s Hospital and the shared commitment to helping children and families get the care they need.”
What achievement or contribution to society do you consider to be the most significant of your life?
“I’m proud of building Paychex, but the work that means the most to me now is philanthropy that creates real, lasting impact. The Golisano Children’s Alliance is a good example, bringing children’s hospitals together so more families can get excellent pediatric care closer to home. That is practical, measurable work, and it will impact a lot of lives.”
What are the Golisano Foundation’s main goals for the next five years?
“We want to keep investing in organizations that deliver results. A major focus is growing and strengthening the Golisano Children’s Alliance so children’s hospitals can collaborate, share what works, and expand care for families in their own communities. We will also continue our longstanding commitment to dignity, inclusion, and opportunity for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”
UMB has four sets of core values — Respect and Integrity; Well-Being and Sustainability; Equity and Justice; and Innovation and Discovery. Which set resonates with you the most?
“Innovation and Discovery. I’ve always believed that when something is not working well enough, you should look for a better way to do it. That is exactly what we are trying to do through the Children’s Alliance: help hospitals work together, solve problems faster, and improve care for kids.”
What advice would you give to the graduates of UMB’s Class of 2026?
“Find a real problem and work hard to solve it. Don’t overcomplicate things. Listen, use common sense, and stay focused on results. Whatever field you go into, you will have a chance to make life better for other people, and that is a pretty good way to measure success.”