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Philadelphia University Receives Massive Grant From Alum

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia University has received a $15 million gift, the largest donation in school history.

The university announced Tuesday that its College of Design, Engineering and Commerce will be named for donor Maurice Kanbar.

School officials describe Kanbar as an entrepreneur, inventor, movie producer and philanthropist. He graduated from the university in 1952.

University president Stephen Spinelli says the gift will support the school's vision for transdisciplinary learning and a 21st-century curriculum.

Kanbar College is housed in a new building set to have its formal opening this fall. Kanbar previously gave $6 million for a student center on campus.

The university serves about 2,700 undergraduates and 700 graduate students in the East Falls section of Philadelphia.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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