BOCA RATON, FL (January 27, 2006) - Florida Atlantic University's College of Business received a gift in excess of $1 million from Peter and Susan Stein. The gift will establish The Sean Stein Scholarship Fund and will name the center structure of the newly opened College of Business complex on the Boca Raton campus the "Sean Stein Pavilion." Dedicated to the memory of the Steins' beloved son Sean, who was a 20-year-old FAU sophomore at the time of his death, the endowment will provide educational opportunities to highly qualified students in the College of Business. In addition, the Steins are also creating a park at the campus entrance to the College of Business. In the center of the park there will be a bronze, life-size statue of Sean. The tree-lined park will provide a gathering place and meeting site for FAU students and faculty.

"I am humbled by Peter and Susan Stein as they grace our University with their generosity," said FAU President Frank T. Brogan '81. "Through this magnificent gift to the College of Business, the Steins will be able to reach out to new and promising students for generations to come."

In his four years at Spanish River High School in Boca Raton, Sean demonstrated exceptional academic ability, athleticism and strong leadership skills. His involvement in club activities and in the community was commended by his teachers, peers and school principal. Sean received the highest academic scholarship from the state of Florida and was a recipient of the prestigious Henry King Stanford Scholarship for scholastic merit from the University of Miami. While enrolled at FAU, Sean maintained an A average and won the respect of his professors. Motivated, enthusiastic, charismatic and willing to take on academic challenges, Sean blossomed at FAU. During his tenure at the University, Sean served as a senator for FAU Student Government and was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity where he was elected social chair, all the while maintaining his dean's list status.

"Sean's personality matched his academic accomplishments," said Peter Stein. "His wit, charm and warmth brought light and joy to all who knew him. Sean believed he would do something in his life that would make a difference." In a paper completed for an FAU philosophy class, Sean wrote, "One goal that gives my life meaning is my hunger to leave my mark on this world. Almost everyone would like to be remembered, but I am positive I am going to do something that ensures I have a place in history."

"Now, with this donation for all future generations," said Peter Stein, "my wife Susan and I can make certain that Sean's dream of making a difference will be fulfilled."

The College of Business pavilion that will bear Sean's name is a large, light and airy space with ample tables and chairs dotting the slate and tile floor. The pavilion is filled with students who study and interact there throughout the day and into the evening. Sean's portrait will hang on one of the walls. His biography will appear on a plaque that will be placed beneath the portrait. For Peter and Susan Stein, the building, with its bustling energy, is a reminder of Sean's productivity and exuberance.

"It is a space where life happens," said Susan Stein. "A living place that will serve as an external tribute to our son."

Originally from New York, Peter and Susan Stein each found success in the business world. A graduate of Hofstra University, Peter majored in finance, and following college, he entered his family's business in the apparel industry. Peter transformed and grew the small family business into one of the most successful and respected companies in the fashion industry. Peter still maintains significant global business interests through his holding company, Vargas Enterprises, Inc. Susan graduated from Boston University, and while married to Peter, she earned a master's degree from Hunter College. Susan went to work for Peter in the sales and marketing areas of his companies. After the birth of Sean, Susan took an eight-year hiatus, then re-entered the corporate world and became a financial consultant and a vice president of investments with Smith Barney. She retired from this position two years ago.

The Steins have been involved in many community and charitable causes throughout their lives and since their move to Boca Raton in 1990 have continued in this endeavor. At this time, as philanthropists, their plan is to honor the memory of their beloved son Sean by creating a continuum of giving.

For those interested in participating in this continuum of giving, please make your contribution to the FAU Foundation-Sean Stein Fund at Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL, 33431-0991, Attention: Deborah J. Robinson, associate vice president, University Advancement.

-FAU-

Florida Atlantic University opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the university serves 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students on seven campuses strategically located along 150 miles of Florida's southeastern coastline. Building on its rich tradition as a teaching university, with a world-class faculty, FAU hosts eight colleges - the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, and the Colleges of Business, Education, Engineering & Computer Science, and Architecture, Urban & Public Affairs.