Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, has announced a $10 million commitment from an anonymous alumnus.

The gift ranks among the largest in the university's history and will be used to support the college's endowment, a new endowed professorship in the school's conservatory of music, and facilities maintenance and improvement at the college's Björklunden Vid Sjön campus in Door County, Wisconsin. The university has now reached 80 percent of its six-year $150 million capital fundraising goal, the deadline for which is October 2011; a large portion of the campaign funds will be allocated to the university's endowment.

The donor is a past supporter of the school and has expressed a desire to influence its growth and secure its future. "We are extremely grateful that one of Lawrence's own would make a commitment of this magnitude to the college," said Cal Husmann, vice president for development and alumni relations. "This person has previously made significant philanthropic investments in Lawrence for a variety of important initiatives and this latest gift is yet another incredible example of the donor's unwavering support for Lawrence, its students and its programs."