An anonymous benefactor donated $10 million to Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisc., to help the institution build a new on-campus residence for its community of Jesuit priests and to boost need-based scholarships for students, The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.

Father Robert A. Wild, interim president of the private, Jesuit, Roman Catholic university, announced on Monday that $7.5 million of the gift will be used to build a new Jesuit residence and renovate the center of campus. The remaining $2.5 million will be used to support need-based scholarships.

"This significant gift is a tremendous investment in the future of our members of the Society of Jesus who make such profound academic and spiritual contributions to life at Marquette," Wild said in a statement. "And equally as important, this generous contribution to support scholarships will help us to continue to provide a world-class, transformative education that is both accessible and affordable."

The new Jesuit building project will cost a total of $15 million and will be financed entirely from donations. It will be build one block north from the current Jesuit residence, which will eventually be torn down to increase green space and reduce surface level parking, university officials said in a press release.

Construction on the new building will begin once the university raises another $7.5 million.

Wild added that part of the $10 million donation was used to support need-based scholarships because he believes access to higher education is important and the $2.5 million will help ensure that the university's education remain affordable and accessible to students.

"We are fortunate that our community has generous philanthropic supporters who ensure that a Marquette education will continue its longstanding tradition of providing an accessible education," Michael Vanderhoef, vice president for university advancement, said in a statement. "It is so gratifying to know we have many alumni, parents, friends and supporters who are deeply committed and devoted to Marquette's future."