CMC To Launch George R. Roberts
Faculty Leadership Initiative with $20 Million Gift

The College announced today the launch of the George R. Roberts Faculty Leadership Initiative funded by a $20 million gift from George R. Roberts and his family to encourage $40 million in additional support for endowed faculty positions.
The Roberts gift is the largest in the history of CMC to directly support faculty. By matching new contributions on a one-to-two basis, the Roberts Faculty Leadership Initiative is expected to yield a total of $60 million in new philanthropic support over the next five years. George Roberts is a 1966 graduate, has been a member of the Board of Trustees since 1992, and received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the College in 1993.
Under the terms of the gift, every faculty member who receives an endowed chair under the Roberts Faculty Leadership Initiative will also hold the special designation as a Roberts Fellow. Recipients must be outstanding teacher-scholars with reputations for strong, attentive relationships with students. The Roberts Faculty Leadership Initiative specifically supports faculty endowment priorities that have emerged from CMC's strategic plan, which was adopted by the Board of Trustees in March 2002.
Over the years, the Roberts familyGeorge, his late wife, Leanne Bovet Roberts, and their three childrenEric (a 1993 graduate of CMC), Mark, and Courtneyhave given more than $9.4 million to support major academic areas and facilities at Claremont McKenna. These include the College's Roberts Environmental Center and support toward construction of the Roberts North and South Academic Buildings in 1995. The Roberts family has also endowed the Roberts Chaired Professorship in Environmental Biology and a scholarship fund to support need-based financial aid.
"The leadership shown by George Roberts throughout his career and life is reflected in this important and course-changing gift," said Harry McMahon '75 P'08'09, Board of Trustees Chair. "We are extremely grateful to the Roberts family for their generous and visionary support."
"Throughout its history, Claremont McKenna College has sought the finest faculty who exemplify the teacher-scholar ideal," said President Pamela B. Gann. "Through this gift and matching gifts to follow, our students will continue to benefit from an extraordinary academic experience for generations to come."
"Claremont McKenna College provided an invaluable first step in charting my life and career," said Roberts. "My family and I are pleased to be able to help ensure the academic excellence and vibrant educational experience of a CMC education through support of the College's outstanding faculty and academic programs."
Roberts, who also holds a JD degree from the University of California (Hastings) Law School, co-founded Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. in 1976 with his cousin, Henry R. Kravis, who graduated from the College in 1967 and also is a member of the CMC Board of Trustees. KKR is one of the world's oldest and most experienced private equity firms specializing in management buyouts. Founded in 1976, it has offices in New York, Menlo Park, London, Paris, Hong Kong and Tokyo.