Oxford college receives $35 million donation towards Univ North completion

University College, Oxford is to receive a $35 million donation to support completion of Univ North.

The project is being supported by philanthropist, Mr David Frederick who is a US attorney and University College alumnus.

The agreement between Mr Frederick, Baroness Valerie Amos, Master of University College, Oxford, and Chancellor Pat Gallagher, University of Pittsburgh, ensures the phased donation of $35 million to fund Univ’s transformational Univ North building development project.

READ MORE: The LEGO Foundation awards the University of Oxford £11m research grant

Univ North, a state-of-the-art, sustainable, intergenerational education and living space in North Oxford will be a second site for Univ. When complete, it will comprise up to 150 en-suite study bedrooms, a nursery with outdoor space for up to 54 children, café, gym, and study, meeting, and recital spaces.

Residents and staff at Univ North will benefit from the development and its landscaped gardens, rejuvenated heritage orchards, and an environment focused on wellbeing, sustainability and shared purpose.

The project is described by the university as the most ambitious building project in Univ’s history, since the Main Quad in the 17th century.

David Frederick said: “Sophie and I are delighted to participate in an innovative philanthropic model that benefits two important institutions where I spent many happy years as a student. Our agreement will ensure modern, multi-purpose facilities for University College, Oxford at a second site (Univ North), where students can flourish and deepen their sense of community with the College and City of Oxford.”

READ MORE: Oxford spin outs are UK leaders

The donation is underpinned by Univ’s 50-year commitment to distribute a proportion of the income generated from the completed Univ North development to the University of Pittsburgh Honors College, where Mr Frederick completed his undergraduate degree.

Mr Frederick said: “The University of Pittsburgh Honors College will derive substantial and enduring benefits from this arrangement. Our hope is that the project will enrich the educational experience in an inclusive way at both institutions for many decades to come.”

In addition, Mr Frederick has gifted a further $5 million to the Univ North project.

Valerie Amos, Master, said: “We are enormously grateful to David Frederick for his exceptional support and longstanding commitment to our College. Univ North will be transformational for Univ, enabling us to further realise our vision through our commitment to academic excellence, diversity and inclusion.”