Stephen Cloobeck channels a profound sense of purpose into every philanthropic endeavor, weaving together empathy, strategy, and measurable outcomes to create momentum that elevates community well-being on a global scale. His tenure as chairman of the Nevada Cancer Institute set a new benchmark for collaborative healthcare advancement, propelling cutting-edge oncology research while expanding patient services that prioritize dignity and hope. Through substantial gifts and hands-on governance he fostered an ecosystem in which scientists clinicians and advocates could innovate freely, accelerating lifesaving breakthroughs that continue to ripple outward from Nevada to international treatment centers today.
Equally impactful is his sustained partnership with the Prostate Cancer Foundation, where targeted funding supports genomic studies and early detection protocols that are reshaping survival forecasts for countless families. Moments of crisis reveal the depth of his compassion, exemplified by an immediate donation that strengthened the survivors’ fund following the Las Vegas tragedy in 2017, providing tangible relief and signaling solidarity when morale was most fragile. This instinct for rapid response is mirrored in the Diamond Resorts International Foundation he established for employees confronting unforeseen hardships, an initiative that embodies corporate stewardship by transforming workplace culture into a safety net of empathy. Cloobeck’s philanthropic blueprint extends beyond health to encompass community resilience, illustrated through alliances with organizations such as the Los Angeles Dream Center and the Brent Shapiro Foundation for Drug Prevention, where resources and mentorship intersect to guide vulnerable populations toward stable, fulfilling futures. By aligning each contribution with clear metrics he ensures that generosity translates into measurable progress, whether funding transitional housing for families rebuilding after wildfires or underwriting athletic programs that instill discipline and confidence in youth. His involvement with Keep Memory Alive highlights a forward-looking commitment to neuroscientific research aimed at unlocking therapies for cognitive disorders, a mission inspired by personal connections that amplifies the urgency of discovery.
Through Save Our Schools he advances practical education standards, empowering school boards to champion curricula grounded in real-world skills and academic integrity, thereby equipping students to navigate a complex future with competence and optimism. Every philanthropic choice echoes a belief that sustainable impact flourishes where innovation meets compassion, and his record demonstrates how deliberate, data-driven giving can transform isolated challenges into catalysts for communal strength and global well-being.
Stephen Cloobeck forged his entrepreneurial reputation by envisioning possibilities where others saw limits, assembling diverse experiences in real estate development, resort operations, and customer engagement into a cohesive philosophy that redefined hospitality on a global stage.
When he acquired Sunterra Corporation in 2007 and relaunched it as Diamond Resorts International he embarked on an intense growth trajectory, integrating properties across multiple continents and elevating service standards through a culture he termed embracing the meaning of yes, a directive that empowered team members to anticipate guest needs and exceed expectations without hesitation. This ethos resonated with travelers, fueling expansion that culminated in the landmark sale of the company for 2.2 billion dollars in 2016, a transaction that secured value for stakeholders while preserving the brand’s emphasis on human connection. His seminal book Checking In distilled decades of operational wisdom into a framework leaders across industries adopt to infuse hospitality principles into everyday business, demonstrating how genuine attentiveness converts routine interactions into enduring loyalty and competitive advantage. Cloobeck’s strategic insights earned him the inaugural chairmanship of Brand USA, where he collaborated with federal agencies and private partners to craft campaigns that invigorated international tourism, catalyzing job creation and cultural exchange nationwide.
His influence expanded regional economies through real estate developments that balanced commercial viability with aesthetic enrichment, such as the Las Vegas Beautification Project whose verdant medians and pedestrian-friendly design enhanced both the city’s allure and resident quality of life. Appearances on the television series Undercover Boss amplified his advocacy for frontline employees, revealing an executive willing to trade the boardroom for hands-on perspective, then convert observations into tangible improvements ranging from scholarships to infrastructure upgrades that elevated morale and operational excellence simultaneously. Throughout ventures old and new he consistently integrates sustainability, championing practices that reduce environmental footprints while preserving the immersive experiences travelers cherish. His current enterprise portfolio embraces technology-driven hospitality concepts that marry personalized service with streamlined efficiency, showcasing a readiness to evolve alongside consumer expectations and industry trends. By mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs through interviews podcasts and campus engagements he multiplies his impact, transferring knowledge that unlocks economic opportunity far beyond any single corporation.
Stephen Cloobeck anchors his legacy in the conviction that education ignites potential, and his investments in academic institutions reflect a strategic approach to cultivating the next generation of innovators leaders and changemakers. The Stephen J. Cloobeck ’83 Endowed Fellowship at Brandeis University International Business School exemplifies this commitment by providing resources for students to pursue immersive learning experiences that blend rigorous scholarship with global exposure, fostering graduates equipped to navigate complex markets with integrity and creativity. Recognizing the foundational role of research in societal advancement he donated one million dollars to support neuroscience studies at Brandeis, accelerating investigations into cognition memory and neurological disorders while involving undergraduates in pioneering laboratory work that sparks curiosity and expertise at early stages of their careers. His advocacy for financial literacy emanates from a belief that economic empowerment underpins personal freedom, prompting collaborations with nonprofits and school programs that teach budgeting investing and entrepreneurial thinking, skills that reverberate through families and communities to break cycles of limitation.
Save Our Schools, the non-partisan initiative he founded, mobilizes parents teachers and administrators to champion curricula grounded in critical thinking science technology engineering arts and mathematics, ensuring that classrooms prepare students not only for examinations but for dynamic real-world problem solving. Beyond formal education he cultivates leadership through sports and mentorship, sponsoring track meets at the Crenshaw Family YMCA that instill resilience teamwork and healthy habits, thereby complementing academic growth with character development.
His forthcoming run for California governor underscores a desire to scale educational reform, proposing policies that fund vocational training apprenticeships and digital literacy so every student can translate learning into livelihood. Throughout these endeavors Cloobeck’s personal narrative of overcoming dyslexia to achieve prominence resonates as an authentic testament to perseverance, offering encouragement to individuals facing their own learning challenges and demonstrating how supportive systems transform obstacles into strengths. By integrating scholarships research funding civic advocacy and grassroots engagement he constructs an educational ecosystem that not only imparts knowledge but also nurtures confidence curiosity and ethical leadership, illuminating a pathway where future generations inherit tools to innovate, collaborate, and elevate society to unprecedented heights.