Mario J. Gabelli ’67BUS and Arthur J. Samberg ’67BUS, members of Columbia Business School’s board of overseers, have pledged $15 million and $25 million, respectively, for two new buildings the school is planning for Columbia’s new campus in Manhattanville.
The buildings, which are being designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro and FXFOWLE Architects, will be erected between 130th and 131st Streets, west of Broadway, a few years from now.
“My parents did not have a formal education, but in this country, I had the opportunity to progress through a great education,” says Gabelli, the chairman of LICT Corporation. “And in order to provide that type of education, schools need great facilities. Columbia Business School is at a critical point in moving to Manhattanville, and I figured I’d help as much as I could to push it over the goal line.”
Samberg, the manager of Hawkes Financial Services, says that he, too, was inspired by the promise of helping the next generation of business leaders.
“I had the good fortune to attend a number of elite schools, but many people don’t have the advantages I had,” Samberg says. “In supporting Columbia Business School, I’m helping others, who didn’t grow up in the same environment, get a chance to advance.”
The business school is now more than two-thirds of the way toward its $500 million fundraising goal for the two buildings, which will be named for Ronald O. Perelman and Henry R. Kravis ’69BUS in honor of their previous $100 million gifts for the project.
Glenn Hubbard, the dean of the business school, expressed his gratitude for the latest donations from Samberg and Gabelli.
“Art and Mario have long been leaders in the school community, providing the resources and expertise that make Columbia a top-tier, global institution,” he said. “Their commitment and generosity will help enable us to expand into Manhattanville, with facilities befitting our status as a leading business educator.”
