Notre Dame alumnus giving university record $75 million donation

SOUTH BEND, Ind., May 2 (UPI) -- An alumnus and trustee who has already given $75 million to Notre Dame University announced Friday he is giving the same amount in a single donation.

John W. Jordan's gift is the largest in the history of the university, officials said. It will be used to set up a science and technology research program.

“Although I am not very knowledgeable in the technology sector, I know how important it is for our country to maintain leadership in state-of-the-art technology,” Jordan said in a statement. “It is not only critical for socioeconomic reasons but national security as well.”

Jordan, who graduated from Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind., in 1969, went on to found The Jordan Company, a private investment company, and Jordan Industries, a Chicago-based holding company. A son and daughter followed him to Notre Dame.

The Rev. John I. Jenkins, the university president said the gift will help Notre Dame achieve its goal of becoming a "preeminent research university."

Jordan, who heads the board's investment committee, has already made large gifts for scholarships, fellowships and grants. He also funded the Jordan Hall of Science and the Jordan Auditorium in the Mendoza College of Business.

Notre Dame, founded in 1842 by the Congregation of the Holy Cross, is one of the country's most respected Catholic universities and is also known for its Fighting Irish football team.