Press Releases

Fall 1995
Chancellor Pledges $1 Million Donation to the Southampton Campus
Gift is Largest Commitment in School's History

Contact: Jane Finalborgo
(516) 287-8313

SOUTHAMPTON, NY -- New York media executive Robert F.X. Sillerman has laid the cornerstone of a long-term master development plan for the Southampton Campus by pledging $1 million toward the school's development fund. The gift, which is the largest philanthropic commitment in the Southamptn Campus history, will dramatically expand the school's physical facilities. In his third year as Chancellor of the College, Mr. Sillerman, who also is a University Trustee, has challenged the Board to match his commitment with an additional $2 million.

"This is a splendid act of generosity. Bob Sillerman is providing extraordinary leadership to assist the College in fulfilling its new master plan," said David Steinberg, President of Long Island University. A comprehensive master plan for development of the College has been drawn up by the renowned architectural firm Mitchell/Giurgola. The plans include two new academic building, a sports complex, other new or renovated buildings and re-routing of interior roads.

"Chancellor Sillerman's gift will help make the College's physical facilities commensurate with its academic programs and the caliber of students. The quality of the College was once again reaffirmed this year when two students won Fulbright Scholarships -- the College's 17th and 18th," Dr. Steinberg continued.

Mr. Sillerman is Chairman and CEO of both The Sillerman Companies, a diversified New York based communications management corporation, and SFX Broadcasting, Inc. He has taken an active role in other charitable and educational organizations. In 1989 he was a founding benefactor of New York's Museum of Television and Radio. He is also an avid sports fan and athlete and participated in and also underwrote the 1990 New York Triathlon, enabling $250,000 in donations to benefit Vietnam veterans.

"The Southampton Campus is a remarkable resource for those of us fortunate enough to be able to enjoy the pristine environment of the East End," said Mr. Sillerman. "The College's outstanding Marine and Environmental Sciences programs contribute significantly to the preservation of the environment that makes the Hamptons and neighboring communities so desirable. I am thrilled to be able to play a role in the development of an institution so important to this community."

Founded in 1963, Southampton is one of the three residential campuses of Long Island University. The College offers a broad liberal arts curriculum placing emphasis on experiential learning and community service. Students of writing, literature and the arts have opportunities to work with some of the area's outstanding authors and artists. Graduate students can pursue degrees in both education and gerontology, and the Friends World Program operates throughout the world at seven overseas campuses. Long Island University, with an enrollment of nearly 24,000, has grown to become one of the largest and most comprehensive private, multicampus institutions of higher learning in the United States.