PrincetonUniversity
 

Meg Whitman to support new residential college at Princeton
Gift from Whitman and family allows University to expand student body and provide new living options

Meg Whitman, president and chief executive officer of eBay, Inc., a Princeton University trustee and member of the class of 1977, is making a gift of $30 million toward the construction of a new residential college at the University. The new college, to be named Whitman College, will enable Princeton to expand its undergraduate student body and provide more varied educational and social opportunities for students.

The gift from Whitman and her family, including her husband, Dr. Griffith R. Harsh IV, permits the University to proceed with plans announced almost two years ago to build a sixth residential college and expand the student body by 10 percent. That will be the first significant increase in undergraduate enrollment since the advent of co-education in 1969. The gift also allows the University to create a new residential option that will bring together students from all classes, along with some graduate students, in three of its six residential colleges.

"With this gift, Princeton can embark on a project that will expand the range of talents, perspectives and interests represented among our student body, enriching the experience for everyone on campus," said President Shirley M. Tilghman. "The changes set in motion by this gift will allow Princeton to strengthen the educational experience of undergraduates in a number of ways and will permit us to expand and enhance the residential college system, which is at the heart of student life. For their leadership and generosity, we are extremely grateful to Meg Whitman and her family."

"I had a great time as a Princeton undergraduate," said Whitman. "The University inspired me to think in ways that have guided me throughout my life. I'm pleased that I can help bring Princeton to more students and that my gift will benefit the University for generations to come."

Click here to read the complete news release.

Princeton President Shirley Tilghman (left) with Meg Whitman, who on Monday, Feb. 4, announced her gift of $30 million toward the construction of a new residential college at the University.

photo: Denise Applewhite