Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, has announced a C$100 million ($73.2 million) gift from alumnus Stephen J.R. Smith (Sc ’72, LLD '17) to endow its Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science.

The largest gift to an engineering college in Canada will bolster the school’s STEM programs. The majority of the gift will be set aside as an endowment, while an undisclosed amount will be used to develop new programs and make investments in research and technology. In recognition of the gift, the college will be named after Smith, a billionaire financial services entrepreneur. In 2015, Smith gave C$50 million ($36.6 million) to endow the university’s Smith School of Business.

“The education I received as a student at Queen’s was foundational to the success I’ve achieved in my professional and personal life,” said Smith. “I have long admired Queen’s commitment to STEM education and research, and I am proud to be able to contribute as it transforms engineering education to prepare graduates to address the greatest challenges of our times.”

“Stephen’s transformational gift will benefit faculty and students for generations to come,” said university principal and vice-chancellor Patrick Deane. “The significance of this investment and the renaming of the faculty herald a new era for engineering education at Queen’s and underscores our university’s commitment to shaping a better future for people and the planet.”

(Photo credit: Queen’s University)