George Lucas has donated $10 million to the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, the same place he graduated from nearly 50 years ago.
The gift – the largest single donation for student support in the school’s history – will establish The George Lucas Foundation Endowed Student Support Fund for Diversity which will provide financial support for African American and Hispanic students enrolled at the School.
The Star Wars creator said Hispanic and African-American storytellers were underrepresented in the entertainment industry.
Student support will be split equally between male and female students, who will be known as George Lucas Scholars or Mellody Hobson Scholars. The first recipients will be awarded for the fall of 2016.
In addition to the Lucas Family Foundation’s fund, the School of Cinematic Arts has recently received a number of endowment gifts specifically earmarked for student support including: the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Fund for Student Support, the Shriram Family Graduate Student Support Fund, and the Kelly & Ron Meyer Family Fund for Student Support.
George Lucas previously donated around $175 million in 2006, some of which was used to rebuild the film school.
The director is awaiting a vote by Chicago’s City Council on his plans to build a 300,000 square foot Museum of Narrative Art beside Lake Michigan.
