Palm Center

blueprints for sound public policy

The Palm Center, which operated from 1998 until 2022, was an independent research institute that used scholarship to inform the national conversation about military policy concerning LGBTQ service members. A list of our top achievements is here.

Michael D. Palm

michael_d_palmMichael D. Palm was a gifted educator, musician, athlete, business person, and dear friend to all who knew him. His accolades include being a National Merit Scholar, a state champion in swimming, a Yale National Scholar, captain of the Yale volleyball team, and earning a fellowship to Harvard for graduate school. Michael’s values reflect those of the Center named in his honor — intellectual curiosity and public service.  While often insisting on anonymity in giving, his legacy includes the Michael D. Palm Theater for the performing arts in Telluride, CO. and our own Palm Center at the University of California. A generous supporter cultural institutions, his beneficiaries included the Brooklyn Academy of Music and Classical Action. A successful financier and philanthropist, among many notable business ventures, Michael was founder and partner of the Zurich Centre Group. Michael, who died of complications from AIDS in Telluride in August 1998, served on the Board of Directors of Gay Men’s Health Crisis and was a strong supporter of civil rights.