Worcester Polytechnic Institute has been given one of the largest gifts in its history, a $12-million donation that is unrestricted in how the funds can be used.
The gift, announced Friday, is from an anonymous alumnus. WPI described the donor as a successful professional with shrewd financial planning and a man who has attended each school reunion since his 20th.
“WPI has a special place in my heart,” said the donor, who WPI said has no other beneficiaries to whom to direct his substantial investments. “It was the best option for me to make my contribution.”
A formal announcement of the $12-million pledge will be made Saturday during WPI’s annual Alumni Weekend.
“A gift of this magnitude has the potential to truly transform WPI,” WPI President Laurie Leshin said in a statement. “To entrust the university with these unrestricted funds demonstrates this donor’s confidence in WPI’s reputation and our potential for even greater positive impact on the world.”
