http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090416/ap_on_re_us/mystery_gifts


DES MOINES, Iowa – A mystery is unfolding in the world of college fundraising: During the past few weeks, at least nine universities have received gifts totaling more than $45 million, and the schools had to promise not to try to find out the giver's identity.

One school went so far as to check with the IRS and the Department of Homeland Security just to make sure a $1.5 million gift didn't come from illegal sources.

"In my last 28 years in fundraising ... this is the first time I've dealt with a gift that the institution didn't know who the donor is," said Phillip D. Adams, vice president for university advancement at Norfolk State University, which received $3.5 million.

The gifts ranged from $8 million at Purdue to $1.5 million donated to the University of North Carolina at Asheville. The University of Iowa received $7 million; the University of Southern Mississippi, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and the University of Maryland University College got $6 million each; the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs was given $5.5 million; and Penn State-Harrisburg received $3 million.


I thought this was pretty interesting, espically in these trying economic times.

Blimey - that's fantastic.

edit: I wonder if there's a pattern detectable? Such specific and differing sums, seems odd.

That is really interesting. And definitely something you don't hear about every day.

I was reading about this, and i was almost wondering if this is a product of the Bill Gates charitable group, He had mentioned at one point that he wasnt doing this for glamour.

My first thought was someone with a recent terminal diagnosis is disposing of their estate before the vultures get a chance at it.

It is a great boon to those colleges receiving funds.