Lafayette College has received a gift of nearly $28 million from one of its graduates.
The school in Easton calls the gift from 1966 graduate and trustee Kent Rockwell one of the largest in its history. The money has been placed in a trust and will support a new interdisciplinary science facility.
Lafayette President Alison Byerly says the school is "immensely grateful." She says the money will help support educational programs at the intersection of the life sciences, technology and engineering.
Rockwell has been chairman and CEO of Rockwell Venture Capital since 1983. His other businesses include Rockwell Forest Products and ExOne, a provider of 3D printers.
Lafayette announced the $27.9 million gift on its website Monday.
"Lafayette is committed to becoming a leader in offering innovative educational programs in fields at the intersection of the life sciences, technology, and engineering," Byerly said. "Kent Rockwell’s vision and generosity will enable us to strengthen our efforts in this area significantly."
