HOUSTON, Sept. 17, 2018 – The University of Houston College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) has received a $4 million anonymous gift in support of its Creative Writing Program, among multiple CLASS initiatives. The gift will also fuel research activity in the humanities and social sciences and advance the college’s mission of transforming today’s students into tomorrow’s global leaders, successful entrepreneurs and industry innovators. This gift comes at a period of unprecedented growth, expansion and opportunity for CLASS and is the single largest donation that the college has received.

“This gift matters because it provides support for key strategic initiatives in CLASS, surrounding student success, faculty success and community engagement. Numerous academic departments/programs, especially creative writing, will benefit from this generous gift,” said Antonio D. Tillis, dean of CLASS and M.D. Anderson Professor in Hispanic Studies. “The University of Houston is fortunate to exist in a community where individual donors want to be stakeholders in everything we do to enhance the academic experience for our students.”

This strategic investment includes funding for a Graduate Student Diversity Endowment, a CLASS Faculty Research Initiatives Endowment, a Creative Writing Program Graduate Student Community Partnership Endowment and two Endowed College Professorships in Creative Writing.

The gift supports and celebrates the college’s commitment to community engagement through the Creative Writing Program and other academic units. Additionally, it will help attract and retain top scholars, particularly in creative writing.

“This handsome gift is an investment in academic quality and faculty, particularly in renowned programs like creative writing and the humanities, helping to ensure that the University of Houston offers enlightened opportunities for its students,“ said Eloise Brice, vice president for University Advancement.

The contribution adds to the goal of raising $1 billion in the UH “Here, We Go” Campaign, the first major fundraising campaign in more than 25 years in support of University priorities, including the arts and social sciences.