Drexel University has announced a $10 million pledge from alumnus Ronald W. Disney and his wife, Kathleen, to provide scholarship funds and program support for students from underrepresented backgrounds, primarily at the  Bennett S. LeBow College of Business.

Made as a bequest, the gift will also provide financial support to a mentoring program for public school students in West Philadelphia; research on hunger and poverty in the Philadelphia area; and mental health and well-being counseling and programming for Drexel students.

The portion of the pledge designated to LeBow College is the second-largest gift to the business school by an individual. The couple previously established two endowed funds to benefit LeBow College students participating in Build Relationships in Diverse Group Experiences (BRIDGE), a learning community created in 2012 to support students from underrepresented backgrounds. Combined with $1 million from that earlier commitment, the new gift will create nine endowed funds to be named in honor of the donors.

“Drexel has had a profound impact on my life, including two-and-half years of practical co-op experiences,” said Ronald Disney. “It’s a real privilege to give back and help others access similar opportunities and to advance Drexel’s mission of active engagement with communities.”

(Photo Credit: Getty Images/Anchiy)