Oberlin College getting three $4M gifts

OBERLIN, Ohio (AP) — Oberlin College, on the eve of inaugurating a new president, announced three $4 million gifts Thursday.

The money will be used for environmental programs and construction of a building to house jazz studies.

“These gifts celebrate the leadership, creativity and innovative spirit found throughout Oberlin College,” said Marvin Krislov, who was appointed president May 15 and will be inaugurated on Friday.

A Cleveland family that asked for anonymity gave $4 million, including $2.5 million for an endowed chair in environmental studies. The rest goes to technology upgrades in an environmental studies building and environmental planning grants to be shared by the city and college.

Two alumni from Chicago, Clyde McGregor, an investment manager, and Joseph Clonick, a retired pianist, each pledged $4 million for a new building to house jazz studies. Clonick gave $1 million earlier.

Krislov previously served as vice president and general counsel at the University of Michigan.

Oberlin, located about 30 miles southwest of Cleveland, has about 3,000 students.