[Bruce Wang]

It always made me feel Stanford was above being bought and how really special the University is.

There is good evidence this is the case with the notable example being Larry Ellison withdrawing his announced donation after Stanford refused to bind them contractually to accept his children. There are also rumors that the family behind China's Soho property development group wanted the same deal with Stanford, but Stanford refused to sign a contract promising their daughter a spot.  Their daughter ended up going to Harvard, suggesting that Harvard will cut such deals.  Jared Kushner is probably the best known example of such transactions.

I am a graduate of both schools and a close observer of both  This particular difference is cultural and stems from the DNA of the schools.  Stanford was founded upon an act of generosity.  Harvard was founded to perpetuate the wealth and power of its community.

[Bruce Wang]

It always made me feel Stanford was above being bought and how really special the University is.

There is good evidence this is the case with the notable example being Larry Ellison withdrawing his announced donation after Stanford refused to bind them contractually to accept his children. There are also rumors that the family behind China's Soho property development group wanted the same deal with Stanford, but Stanford refused to sign a contract promising their daughter a spot.  Their daughter ended up going to Harvard, suggesting that Harvard will cut such deals.  Jared Kushner is probably the best known example of such transactions.

I am a graduate of both schools and a close observer of both  This particular difference is cultural and stems from the DNA of the schools.  Stanford was founded upon an act of generosity.  Harvard was founded to perpetuate the wealth and power of its community.