A $55 million academic complex is coming to Lawrence Technological University thanks to a major contribution from one of its former students, noted philanthropist A. Alfred Taubman.
The donation will pay for the construction of a building and expansion and physical connection of a complex where engineering, architecture and life sciences are taught, creating the Taubman Complex. The combined structure would
also provide additional space for the College of Architecture and
Design and growing biomedical programs within the College of Arts and
Sciences.
Taubman, who studied architecture at the Southfield-based university in the 1940s, sees the gift as a way to thank the school that helped him become successful and also as a door opener for future students and graduates.
"Lawrence Tech made a big difference in my life, as it has for generations of young people working to build successful careers and fulfilling lives. I am immensely proud of my Lawrence Tech affiliation, and am delighted to provide support for the exciting new Engineering, Architecture and Life Sciences Complex," Taubman says in a statement announcing the gift, one of many to the his alma mater.
"With Mr. Taubman's generous support, we will be able to move forward
with expanding and enhancing Lawrence Tech's academic programs in
engineering, architecture and life sciences," Lawrence Tech President Lewis Walker says in an announcement. "This new
building will greatly improve our facilities and open up new
opportunities for faculty and students."
The gift was given in two parts: $1 million for the planning and development of the building construction and $10 million that comes with a challenge grant to be matched by $20 million in new contributions in three years. Construction of the building should be complete within 24 months.
Source: Eric Pope, spokesman, Lawrence Technological University
Writer: Kim North Shine
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