STATE UNIVERSITIES
MSU establishes endowed scholarship fund
Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine recently received a $600,000 donation from Dan and Debra Edson. The gift will be used to establish the Daniel and Debra Edson Endowed Scholarship Fund, which will be the first fully funded endowed scholarship in the history of the medical school. The scholarship will support four years of education for in-state students who have been accepted into the college through its Early Assurance Program.
WMU receives NEH grant for summer institute
Western Michigan University’s Medieval Institute has received a $180,000 award from the National Endowment for the Humanities. The Medieval Institute is a center for instruction and research in the history and culture of the Middle Ages. The grant will fund a summer seminar at WMU, focusing on medieval literature. This will be the first NEH Summer Institute in Kalamazoo since 1999.
PEER INSTITUTIONS
University of Nebraska-Lincoln opens new learning commons
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln recently dedicated the new learning commons facility. The $10 million space promotes study by providing private study rooms, information stations, and a studio for recording presentations. The center was named the Adele Coryell Hall Learning Commons in honor of alumna Hall. Nearly $7 million in private donations helped fund the project.
Penn State receives Sea Grant College Status
Penn State University has been awarded Sea Grant College Status by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Sea Grant College Program. Penn State was awarded based on the strength of the Pennsylvania Sea Grant — a research and outreach program operated by Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. This designation honors a commitment to managing marine resources. Pennsylvania Sea Grant has applied nearly $3.4 million in research projects, including studies on fish tumors and harmful algae.
UChicago receives $7M gift to support Odyssey program
The University of Chicago has received a $7 million donation from alumni Frank Baker and his wife, Laura Day. The gift will endow undergraduate scholarships and internships for lower-income students of promise. Seven students will annually receive Frank Baker and Laura Day New Leader Odyssey Scholarships and New Leader Odyssey Internships. The Odyssey Scholarship Program supports undergraduate students with economic need. In recognition of the gift, the newest dining facility will be named the Frank and Laura Baker Dining Commons.
