Lawrence Technological University has received an anonymous $20 million gift to support its “Proud Heritage, Bold Future” capital campaign. It is the largest cash gift in the 4,500-student private university’s 81-year history.
Some of the gift will be used in the construction of the 125,000-square-foot A. Alfred Taubman Engineering, Life Sciences, and Architecture Complex that is expected to cost $55 million. Another development this donation will help fund is the planned Dr. Richard E. Marburger STEM Center, which will support existing STEM programs at LTU and introduce new programs. This center will include an array of educations areas from robotics to “green” chemistry.
“This is a transformational contribution that provides Lawrence Tech an unprecedented opportunity to advance several long-term goals at the same time,” said LTU President Dr. Virinder Moudgil. “The University has plans in place for exciting new educational initiatives and can now move ahead to enhance its leadership position in delivering cutting-edge education in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”
A portion of the funds will also go towards need-based scholarships at LTU in order to improve accessibility to higher education.
The gift is also a major step toward reaching LTU’s capital campaign goal of $100 million, which has raised $76 million over the previous six years. The three main targets for the capital campaign are:
• Facilities and infrastructure, $55 million.
• Endowment and scholarships, $35 million.
• Academics and program innovation, $10 million.
“This remarkable gift allows Lawrence Tech to accelerate its progress in becoming a national leader in STEM education and improving the educational experiences and outcomes for our students,” Moudgil said. “Continuously improving the University’s quality and service is paramount. We are extremely grateful.”