Marcy Carsey, an Emmy-award winning television producer has donated $20 million to her alma mater, the University of New Hampshire, in support of the new Carsey School for Public Policy. This gift is considered to be the second largest in the university's history.
One of the most powerful women in American show business, Carsey graduated from UNH in 1966 with a degree in English.
"It is crucial that we prepare leaders for the governmental, private, and nonprofit sectors who can translate rigorous research into effective policies and practices to solve the complex issues of our world," Carse, 66, said in an official statement. "The school will educate and invigorate young people to serve. It gives me great pleasure to express my appreciation and to provide a world-class program in public policy to UNH students."
The Carsey School will not only concentrate on public administration and political science but will also include sociologists, environmental scientists, health care experts, economists, demographers and foresters for a wholesome curriculum. It will teach future prospective leaders to use research to solve problems.
"This gift will transform the future leadership of our country," said UNH President Mark Huddleston. "Marcy's support for this interdisciplinary approach to public policy is forward thinking and crucial to our advancement as an institution. Together we will develop the informed and engaged leaders our nation needs."
This is not the first gift Casey has made to the university. Carsey's 2002 gift of $7.5 million established the Carsey Institute at UNH. The institute conducts research on vulnerable children, youth and families, and on sustainable community development.
Carsey along with Tom Werner has produced many long-running and popular shows including 'The Cosby Show,' 'Roseanne,' 'Third Rock from the Sun' and 'That 70s Show.'