Manhattan College has announced a $15 million gift from alumnus Michael Kakos (’58) and his wife, Aimee, to expand scholarship and grant opportunities at the college’s School of Science.

The gift—which will be distributed over several years—will fund programs in support of needs-based scholarships for students pursuing undergraduate degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and for students to study abroad. The funds will provide grants in support of innovative academic and research projects as well as the modernization of equipment, laboratories, and other facilities. In recognition of the gift, the School of Science will be renamed after the couple, who are longtime supporters of academic and student life at Manhattan College.

“This gift will support our new vision for the school to build our community of student and faculty scholars through the development of innovative academic programming and research opportunities for students and the enhancement of our teaching and research facilities,” said Kakos School of Science dean Marcy Peteroy-Kelly.

“This transformative gift will take our School of Science to a whole new level, further establishing Manhattan College as a premier destination for students looking to pursue an undergraduate degree in a STEM field,” said Manhattan College president Daniel Gardner. “[E]xciting times lie ahead at Manhattan College’s Kakos School of Science.”

(Photo credit: Manhattan College)