STATE UNIVERSITIES
GVSU receives $1M gift for Hauenstein Center
The Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at Grand Valley State University has received a $1 million donation from J.C. and Tammy Huizenga in honor of Ralph Hauenstein. The gift will be used to expand the center’s impact and mission of preparing leaders for the 21st century through programs like the Common Ground initiative, the Cook Leadership Academy and the Wheelhouse Talks. The Huizenga’s both serve as directors for the Grand Valley University Foundation.
MSU receives $18.5M in grants to fight global hunger
Michigan State University has received two grants totaling $18.5 million from the U.S. Agency for International Development. $12.5 million will aid Nigeria in strengthening its food security policies and improving nutrition outcomes, and $6 million will help Senegal increase its agricultural capacity. The grants are part of the Feed The Future Innovation Lab for Food Security Policy managed by MSU’s agricultural, food and resource economics department.
PEER INSTITUTIONS
UCLA receives $100M donation to launch new academy
UCLA has received a $100 million endowment from philanthropist David Geffen to establish an innovative academy for college preparatory education for Los Angeles students in grades six through 12. The funding will provide facility renovations, faculty and curriculum development, and the launch of the school on UCLA’s campus. It will also establish a $30 million endowment. Geffen is the university’s largest donor, with support totaling $400 million.
U. of Chicago opens new research center for physical sciences
The William Eckhardt Research Center at the University of Chicago recently opened its doors. The $225 million project will house the Kavli Institute of Cosmological Physics, the Astronomy and Astrophysics Department, the Enrcivo Fermi Institute, the dean of the Division of the Physical Science’s office and the Institute of Molecular Engineering. The center was named in recognition of William Eckhardt’s $20 million donation.
Northwestern breaks ground on new field house, athletics center
Northwestern University broke ground on the Ryan Fieldhouse and the Walter Athletics Center. Named for Patrick and Shirley Ryan, the field house will provide an indoor multipurpose facility for practices, competitions and other recreational activities. The Walter Athletics Center, named in recognition of a $40 million gift from alumni Mark and Kimbra Walter, will house academic support services, a nutrition center and a sports performance center.
