When John Sexton, the president of New York University, first met Omar Saif Ghobash, an investor trying to entice him to open a branch campus in the United Arab Emirates, Mr. Sexton was not sure what to make of the proposal - so he asked for a $50 million gift. 'It's like earnest money: if you're a $50 million donor, I'll take you seriously,' Mr. Sexton said.
