Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey, has announced an $8 million estate gift commitment from an anonymous donor in support of its Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

The gift, which started as a $2 million commitment before the donor increased it by $6 million, will be used to endow a faculty chair in the department of chemistry and biochemistry, fund research, develop new initiatives, and underwrite financial support and scholarships for students. In addition, the university has received a pledge from the donor to provide ongoing annual gifts in support of the endowed chair.

Nicholas Snow, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, has been named as the founding endowed faculty chair. Snow, who also serves as director of the university's Center for Academic Industry Partnership and as interim director of the Office of Grants and Research Services, has been recognized twice by Seton Hall's Board of Regents for outstanding teaching and service to students.

"This truly generous gift will allow Seton Hall to sustain and enhance its status as a leading center of scientific inquiry and learning in the fields of chemistry and biochemistry," said Seton Hall president A. Gabriel Esteban. "It will allow us to continue to attract the best and the brightest students and faculty to our university."