The University of Pennsylvania Law School has announced a $5 million endowment gift from alumnus Howard Gittis. In recognition of the gift, the law school will rename Roberts Hall, which was extensively renovated in 2003 and houses faculty offices, student lounges and classrooms, Gittis Hall.

Gittis, vice chairman and chief administrative officer of MacAndrews & Forbes Holdings, has a long history of supporting Penn and its law school. An alumnus of both the university ('55), where he earned a bachelor's degree in economics, and the law school ('58), Gittes is a member of the law school's board of overseers and is also chairman of the board of trustees of nearby Temple University.

"No one embodies the virtues of Penn Law more than Howard Gittis," said law school dean Michael A. Fitts. "Howard has applied the analytical skills he learned here, and his unparalleled acumen as a counselor to many, to become a leader in the world of business. He has made a determined effort to improve the quality of education at this institution, so that succeeding generations can follow his lead."