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Historic $50 Million Gift Propels Lehman College Into a New Era
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Lehman College President Fernando Delgado & CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez holding check for $50 Million Dollars from the MacKenzie Scott Foundation
December 4, 2025
Lehman College announced a historic $50 million gift from the MacKenzie Scott Foundation during a press conference at the College’s Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, December 4. Combined with a $30 million gift in 2020, the foundation’s investment in Lehman students now totals $80 million, marking a new era of opportunity for the College and its students.
“Today, we announce a historic and unprecedented milestone for Lehman College,” said President Fernando Delgado just moments before confetti filled the lobby and cheers erupted in celebration. “This is not just a donation; it is a powerful affirmation of everything we are, everything we do, and everyone we serve.”
Watch the replay here: HISTORIC ANNOUNCEMENT AT LEHMAN COLLEGE
CUNY Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez, also in attendance, highlighted how the gift will benefit Lehman students.
"I thank MacKenzie Scott for her generous support to CUNY, totaling more than $125 million over the last five years across five campuses, including Lehman College,” said CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. “These record-setting gifts are an investment in CUNY’s work to propel our students into successful careers and accomplishment long after they’ve graduated. As we look forward to a new year, we are excited to put this support to good use, deepening the impact on our students and meeting their needs in and out of the classroom.”
Over the last several years, Lehman College has built remarkable momentum, expanding opportunities for its students while continuing to earn national recognition from Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and U.S. News & World Report. Its School of Business continues to bring some of the industry’s top leaders to campus, most recently Bally’s Chairman Soo Kim, giving students real-world experience and career connections. In 2024, the $95 million state-of-the-art Nursing building opened, providing hands-on training in realistic clinical settings. In fall 2026, the College will welcome students to its first dormitory, housing more than 180 students just minutes from campus.
Continuing the Momentum
Like the first gift, this new $50 million gift is unrestricted, giving the College the freedom to dream big and invest boldly in its future. With the approval of the CUNY Board of Trustees, the College will put the funds to work in ways that have both immediate and lasting impact.
President Fernando Delgado noted that the College will add $45 million to its endowed fund, creating a permanent resource for scholarships, student programs, and academic excellence for generations to come. At the same time, $5 million will be used immediately to address urgent student needs, enhance programs, invest in new technology, and strengthen the College’s foundation.
Reflecting on the impact of the gift, President Delgado said it will empower Lehman College to build on its strengths and better serve its students and The Bronx.
“Our future is brighter than ever.”