The University of Utah has announced a $15 million gift from alumnus and former board member John Price and his wife, Marcia, in support of a new building for the College of Engineering.

The largest commitment in the College of Engineering's 126-year history is the lead gift in a campaign to raise $30 million in private funds for construction of a facility that will house the School of Computing. The $120 million, six-story, 209,000-square-foot building will enable the school to double the number of graduates and expand its offerings in data science, cybersecurity, fintech, machine learning and AI, and human-centered computing. In recognition of the gift, the building will be named in honor of the Prices, pending approval of the University of Utah board.

Born in Germany, Price earned a bachelor's degree in geological engineering from the University of Utah in 1956, started his career as the founder of a construction company, which developed into JP Realty Inc., served on the university's board from 1992 to 1999, and was U.S. ambassador to Mauritius, Comoros, and the Seychelles from 2002 to 2005.

"We are pleased to lend our support to this effort that is so crucial to Utah's expanding economy," said Price. "The University of Utah has an international reputation for innovation in computer science, and Marcia and I want to help ensure that opportunity for this generation and all future generations of Utah students."

(Photo credit: University of Utah)