The University of Kansas has announced a gift from the family of Dolph Simons, Jr., ensuring the early completion of a $1 million challenge grant awarded in 2008 by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to the university's Spencer Museum of Art.

The grant will establish the Andrew W. Mellon Academic Programs Initiative, which is designed to advance the museum's involvement in interdisciplinary exhibitions and educational programs throughout the university. Gifts from nearly eighty KU friends and alumni enabled the university to meet the challenge. They include $200,000 from the Denver-based Anschutz Foundation; $100,000 from John T. and Linda Bliss Stewart; and $100,000 from Lavon Brosseau. In addition, the Mellon Foundation provided $200,000 in supplemental funds to the museum as the challenge was being met.

"The current Simons family members are pleased to continue this long interest [in the museum] by providing funds to help the Spencer meet the match for the Mellon Foundation," said Dolph Simons, Jr. "As museum director, Saralyn Reece Hardy is doing excellent work. Given her vision and enthusiasm in directing the museum, we're pleased to be able to play a small role."