The George Washington University Receives Record-Breaking Gifts

WASHINGTON, March 11, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The George Washington University (GW) today announced three gifts totaling $80 million that will address – in collaboration with other institutions – many of the world's public health challenges, focusing on prevention of disease and promotion of wellness.  The contributions are from the Milken Institute, the Sumner M. Redstone Charitable Foundation and the Milken Family Foundation. In honor of these transformative gifts, the GW Board of Trustees has approved the renaming of the School of Public Health and Health Services as the Milken Institute School of Public Health and the establishment of the Sumner M. Redstone Global Center for Prevention and Wellness.

"These extraordinary gifts collectively represent the largest donation ever received by the George Washington University," said GW Board of Trustees Chairman Nelson A. Carbonell, Jr. "Such a generous contribution to the university demonstrates a commitment to the health of people all over the world."

In the spirit of collaborative philanthropy, the gifts include:

• $40 million from the Milken Institute to support research and scholarships;
• $30 million from the Sumner M. Redstone Charitable Foundation to develop and advance strategies to expand wellness and disease prevention;
• $10 million from the Milken Family Foundation to support the Milken Institute School dean's office, including a newly created public health scholarship program.

"For decades, Mike Milken and Sumner Redstone have exemplified philanthropy of the most visionary and powerful kind," said GW President Steven Knapp. "These new resources will greatly enhance our university's capacity to address global health challenges with life-altering solutions."

"The Milken Institute and the Milken Family Foundation have long worked to advance public health and medical progress," said Mike Milken, chairman of the Institute and co-founder of the Foundation.  "Sumner Redstone and the Redstone Foundation have partnered with us "in previous efforts and we are honored to have them join in these new initiatives centered at GW."

Mr. Redstone said, "GW has long been a world-class center for public health research, scholarship and action. I am proud to join the Milken Institute and Milken Family Foundation in supporting this great institution's efforts to help fight some of the biggest health issues of our time, and give millions access to healthier and longer lives."

To read more and for photos and video, visit:
http://mediarelations.gwu.edu/gw-receives-gifts-to-advance-public-health

SOURCE George Washington University