Businessman Doerr, wife donate $50M to Rice University

HOUSTON (AP) - A venture capitalist and his wife have donated $50 million to their alma mater Rice University as the largest gift in school history.

John and Ann Doerr on Thursday announced the donation, through their private family foundation, to encourage new leaders. Both hold bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Rice in electrical engineering.

Retired Brig. Gen. Tom Kolditz will head the Doerr Institute for New Leaders.

Officials at Rice University, in Houston, say the institute will offer students a combination of proven techniques and modern, next-generation practices. The institute will focus on cultural and global diversity and inclusion.

The Doerrs in 2009, through their foundation, donated $15 million for the Rice Center for Engineering Leadership.

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Online:

https://www.rice.edu/