Two major philanthropic donations were announced last week – both with local university tie-ins.
Loyola Marymount University announced a $25 million grant from the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation in support of its new Engineering Innovation Complex, a planned capital expansion for the LMU Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering.
The donation marks the largest capital gift in LMU history, as well as its largest gift from a living donor.
“The LMU of today would not be possible without the Leavey family’s enduring partnership,” LMU President Timothy Law Snyder said in a statement. “Throughout the decades, LMU has flourished, thanks to their continued generosity and support.”
The three-story, 83,000-square-foot new engineering facility will serve as an innovation hub where multidisciplinary teams within the university will work together, spread across two separate buildings, to expand STEM education.
In addition to hosting classes related to engineering, computer science, physics and health care systems engineering, the facility will support interdisciplinary research programs.
“The Engineering Innovation Complex will open exiting new avenues of collaboration and experimentation for our students and faculty, helping to spur important achievements in STEM,” Tina Chloe, dean of LMU’s Seaver College, said in a statement. “As we work toward making the new complex a reality, I am both grateful and inspired to have the support of visionary donors like the Leavey Foundation who are deeply aligned with our mission and share in our vision for the future.”
The total estimated cost of the project is $125 million. Prior to the Leavey Foundation grant, approximately $40 million had been raised for the complex’s development. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026, depending on fundraising goals being met, and is expected to be completed in 2028.
Medical institute gets $50 million
And that is not the only good news for Los Angeles institutions this week. A little further east, the Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children received a $50 million estate gift from Meyer and Renee Luskin.
The two are often recognized for their partnership with alma mater UCLA. The school’s UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs is named after them.
Located in Historic South-Central, the Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children is a medical pavilion and ambulatory surgery center, focused solely on pediatric musculoskeletal orthopaedics.
The center, which has seen over 54,000 patient visits, has been affiliated with UCLA Health since 1998.
“Renee and I wish to thank all of you for your kind and loving support and for this great endeavor and wonderful institution,” Meyer Luskin said.
According to Michael Sullivan, vice president for the children’s institute, the Luskins’ $50 million grant is the largest donation in the nation this year for an organization of its size.
“It will ensure long-term sustainability for Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children,” Sullivan said.
