Politics Prof. Larry J. Sabato announced a $1 million donation to the University Friday morning. Sabato said he intends for the donation to be used to promote civic education, particularly through the Center for Politics.
During the announcement ceremony in the Dome Room of the Rotunda, President John T. Casteen, III said that the donation will help the University to "become a national leader in youth and adult education."
In response to Sabato's donation, the University will also direct funds toward renovating the Birdwood Estate, a University-owned building constructed at the same time as the Rotunda, which will serve as the new home to the Center for Politics, Sabato said.
"Every department and student organization will be encouraged to have meetings, classes and receptions in this lovely home," Sabato said.
He also said that the attractive location will appeal to philanthropists and national media.
Sabato founded the Center in 1998. The Center's Youth Leadership Initiative is geared toward increasing political participation among people by conducting mock elections and developing a "citizenship curriculum" among other projects.
"My money is actually going to civic education programs which reach over one million young people in 50 states," Sabato said.
In addition to directly benefiting the University, Sabato indicated that he hopes his donation will encourage more alumni donations.
"I have been bombarded with hundreds of e-mails from people all over the country -- many of them alumni, but some not," Sabato said. "All have been positive and many have promised substantial donations to the University to match my gift in part."
Sabato's donation represents the largest monetary gift given by a living faculty member.
Soon after Sabato's graduation from the University in 1974, he promised then University President Edgar Shannon, who encouraged him to apply for a Rhodes scholarship, that he would donate $1 million dollars to the University.
During his donation announcement, Sabato discussed his enthusiasm for the University and joked about living on a macaroni and cheese diet to enable the donation.
"I want the University to be first in everything -- sports, academic departments," Sabato said. "I want to be number one."
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