Posted on October 6, 2010

Kravis Pledges $100 Million to Columbia Business School

Columbia Business School has announced a $100 million pledge from Henry R. Kravis, co-founder, co-chair, and co-CEO of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., to support the school's expansion plans.

The largest gift in Columbia Business School history will support construction of new facilities as the school and Columbia University expand into the Manhattanville neighborhood of New York City. The expansion will elevate the school's profile as a source of global business innovation and economic policy thinking as well as broaden its community engagement programs. The latter include the Columbia Community Business Program, which provides guidance and support to local entrepreneurs, as well as several student-run programs that focus on community outreach. One of the school's two new buildings will be named the Henry R. Kravis Building in recognition of the gift.

Kravis, who co-chairs the school's board of overseers, previously provided financial support for Columbia CaseWorks, the Meyer Feldberg Distinguished Fellowship Program, and several endowed professorships, among other Columbia Business School programs.

"Henry Kravis clearly understands that Columbia's long-term vitality depends fundamentally on both the financial resources and the physical space needed to support talented students and faculty," said Columbia University president Lee Bollinger. "As co-chair of the business school's board of overseers, Henry continues to lead by example, and his historic gift indelibly underscores his commitment to training new generations of leaders."