Acts of philanthropy

Gifts will benefit Arts & Sciences and Engineering

Tufts has received two generous gifts to support the School of Arts & Sciences and the School of Engineering.

An anonymous donor with a history of philanthropy and volunteer service to Tufts has committed $10 million. The gift will significantly increase Tufts’ endowments for the benefit of students and faculty and be shared equally between the two schools.

Specifically, the gift will provide $4 million to establish two endowed professorships, $4 million in endowment for undergraduate student financial aid and $2 million for endowed fellowships to benefit graduate students.

“These resources will greatly enhance Tufts’ ability to attract the best undergraduates, graduate students and faculty to our academic community,” President Lawrence S. Bacow said.

Additionally, Edward Merrin, A50, and his wife, Vivian, have committed $3 million to endow a professorship in the School of Arts & Sciences in honor of their son, Seth Merrin, A82. The gift is made in conjunction with Ed Merrin’s 55th reunion this year.

The Merrins are long-time benefactors of Tufts. Ed Merrin is a trustee emeritus who served on the Board of Trustees from 1980 to 1991. Seth Merrin is a successful entrepreneur who co-founded Liquidnet, a provider of an electronic buy-side block trading system, and recently was appointed to the university’s Board of Trustees.