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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- A Canadian businessman has given his Utah alma mater one of its largest individual donations, school officials said.
University of Utah alumnus Pierre Lassonde's $13.5 million donation to the school will support programs within the David Eccles School of Business, including the Pierre and Claudette McKay Lassonde New Venture Development Center and the newly renamed Pierre Lassonde Entrepreneur Center.
Since 2002, Lassonde has been president of Newmont Mining Corp., the world's largest producer of gold. He is also the author of "The Gold Book: The Complete Investment Guide to Precious Metals."
"(Lassonde) is an alumnus of the business school and graduated with an MBA ... he is really passionate about program," Lindsay Allen, spokesman for the Eccles School of Business.
Business school Dean Jack Brittan said Lassonde's generosity ensures that future generations of students will get unparalleled practical learning experiences.
Lassonde graduated from the University of Utah in 1973 with a master's degree. This spring he was awarded an honorary doctorate in business. Lassonde's late wife, Claudette, also earned a master's degree in nuclear engineering from the university.
The donation is not Lassonde's first to the university. A $3 million donation in 2000 created the New Venture center, which was named for his late wife. The center is said to be one of the business school's hallmark initiatives, providing students with hands-on learning experiences.
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Information from: The Deseret News, http://www.deseretnews.com
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
