New Community College, Manhattan, part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system will be renamed as Stella and Charles Guttman Community College after a $15-million donation from the couple's foundation.
Another $10 million will be utilized to enhance full-time study programs and fund grants to help qualified students at all seven of the system's community colleges.
"We know the number of public school students who go on to CUNY, especially community college, and we really felt our grant could have an impact on helping these students succeed," Elizabeth Olofson, the executive director of the foundation said. "That's where the need was greatest."
Olofson said that the gift will be paid in one installment.
According to Council for Aid to Education, the late philanthropists Charles and Stella Guttman's $15-million direct donation is considered to be one of the largest private gifts ever to a public two-year college.
The $25-million charity is the largest in the Guttman Foundation's history and represents half of its current assets.
Meanwhile, in March, Lake Superior State University (LSSU) officials announced that its School of Business will be renamed Lukenda School of Business after a generous donor and alumnus, Lou Lukenda DDS of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. The change in name will take effect when it moves into its new home.
The business school will be shifted to a new location, South Hall, which is a former army barracks. South Hall is one of the several remaining brick buildings located on the southeast end of campus.
The construction will start next year and the estimated cost is projected around $12 million.
Initially the university officials planned to demolish the hall and construct a new building in its place. But LSSU's Infrastructure Committee developed plans in such a way that the old fort structure will be preserved and renovated.
The construction of the hall will initially include revamping the existing 32,000 square feet and installing required infrastructure for classroom and office spaces.
Then, the university officials are planning to add approximately 12,000 square feet to the original two wings to form an atrium. This will feature an interactive commons, an expanded café, new program rooms and support room.
