Billionaire hedge fund CEO, Kenneth C. Griffin has donated $300 million to Harvard University’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences. The donation is unrestricted, the largest in the Faculty’s history, and will be used across all aspects of its mission. In appreciation of his contributions, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences will also be renamed the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
An Unrestricted Gift Advancing Cutting-edge Research and Educational Access
The gift from Griffin is positioned to advance cutting-edge research in a range of academic disciplines at Harvard’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Additionally, the unrestricted nature of this donation provides essential resources that can facilitate broader access to education and excellence for students and scholars at Harvard University. Harvard President Lawrence Bacow praised the gift and its importance in helping to attract the best students and scholars from all over the world.
A Leader in Philanthropic Initiatives
Griffin established a scholarship at Harvard in 1999 in honor of his grandfather, followed by a $150 million gift to financial aid for undergraduates at Harvard College in 2014, which remains the largest single gift for undergraduate financial aid at any American institution of higher education. Since then, he has also made donations to Harvard Law School and the Harvard Graduate School of Education. His philanthropic initiatives have made him a leader in advancing breakthroughs in science and medicine while expanding access and opportunity in education.
A Historic Renaming & A Small Club
With today’s announcement, Kenneth C. Griffin adds to his record as one of the most beneficent donors ever seen on any university campus across the United States. Following his gift, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences will be renamed indefinitely after him in appreciation of his devotion to academic research focused on various fields. The renaming is scheduled to take place on the 150th anniversary of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences between 2022-23.
Conclusion
Griffin’s generous gift supports and strengthens Harvard’s faculty of Arts and Sciences, providing long-term excellence in research, teaching, and graduate education across various disciplines. Griffin’s name will be immortalized on one of Harvard University’s most renowned schools, the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. With his continued support for Harvard and its academic achievements, he will join a small club of philanthropists who remain devoted to advancing educational opportunities now and in the future.
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