Alumnus donates $25 million to UNH

By Kate Augusto, Globe Correspondent

University of New Hampshire alumnus Peter T. Paul has donated $25 million to the college for a new business school, UNH President Mark W. Huddleston announced this morning. It is the largest single gift in the history of the Durham institution.

“Peter has been a true partner with the university, and his gift of $25 million will have a profound impact on generations of students seeking a world-class business education,” Huddleston said in a statement.

The current business school, the Whittemore School of Business and Economics, was built in 1967 and can no longer meet the demands of a growing student body, the university said. The new school, to be named after Paul pending the approval of the Board of Trustees, will have a greater capacity and will include “smart classrooms,” classrooms that have the latest education technology.

As part of the donation, Paul, a 1967 graduate in business administration, is calling on alumni, supporters, and those in the business community to help the Durham university raise the rest of the $50 million required for the school’s construction.

Paul, who was raised in Troy, N.H., founded Paul Financial LCC, a mortgage-banking company, and serves as its president. He is also owner and chairman of Peter Paul Wines, based in California, and president of West Biofuels, a research development venture that works on converting biomass into biofuel and biopower.

• Comment
• Permalink
• Email