Stephen Adams, a billionaire whose anonymous $100 million gift to the Yale School of Music granted a tuition-free education to talented students embarking on careers in a capricious profession, died on March 14 at his home in Roxbury, Conn.
His death was confirmed by his wife, Denise (Rhea) Adams.
Mr. Adams, who graduated from Yale College in 1959, was not a musician himself.
In 1999, he marked his class’s 40th-anniversary reunion by donating $10 million to the music school — the largest contribution it had ever received.
Six years later, he and his wife surpassed that record when they made their $100 million gift, anonymously.
Persons:
Stephen Adams, Denise, Rhea, Adams
Organizations:
Yale School of Music, Yale College, Wine Spectator
Locations:
Roxbury, Conn