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7/24/08

Kirk & Anne Douglas Add $1 Million To Scholarship At St. Lawrence

CANTON - Film legend Kirk Douglas, St. Lawrence University Class of 1939, and his wife, Anne, have enhanced the scholarship fund at the University created by them in 1999, with an additional gift of $1 million, provided through the Douglas Foundation.

The Kirk Douglas Scholarship fund is aimed at benefiting students who represent racial or ethnic diversity at St. Lawrence. The scholarship is currently restricted to rising juniors and seniors with outstanding academic records and leadership qualities. When the fund was established, Kirk Douglas said that he directed it towards diversity because he believes that "the school benefits from the interaction of people from all different cultures and backgrounds." The University has nearly doubled its enrollment of United States students of color since the scholarship fund was established. In 1999, the percentage of U.S. students of color at St. Lawrence was 5.9; in 2007, it was 10.6. The percentage of international students of color has also increased, from 3 percent in 1999 to 5.4 percent in 2007. The percentages represent nearly 180 more students of color or from another country in the total student body.

University President Daniel F. Sullivan said, "From a lifetime of commitment, Kirk and Anne Douglas understand both the powerful educational impact of greater diversity on a college campus, and the social justice reasons for enhancing St. Lawrence's capacity to attract and support that growing diversity. Their leadership on behalf of diversity inspires us all. It has been an honor to get to know them over the course of my presidency."

Named one of the 50 greatest screen legends of all time by the American Film Institute, Kirk Douglas has appeared in over 85 films, including classics such as Spartacus, Lonely Are The Brave, Lust For Life and Gunfight At The OK Corral. Douglas received an honorary Academy Award in 1995. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1981 and the National Medal of the Arts in 2001. In addition, he is a best-selling author, having written four memoirs. Prior to attaining fame, Kirk Douglas grew up in Amsterdam, New York, and graduated from St. Lawrence University with a degree in English. While attending St. Lawrence, he was president of the student government organization and a member of the wrestling team and German club. He also participated in dramatic productions on campus. The University awarded him an honorary degree in 1958. On this gift to St. Lawrence, Douglas commented, "I'm giving something back to the school, because I think every person should try to make the world better any way that they can."

Vice President for University Advancement Michael P. Archibald said, "No gift impacts students more than a gift for scholarships, making the St. Lawrence experience possible for deserving young men and women who otherwise would simply have no opportunity to attend. The scholarship brings great prestige to the University because of the extraordinary accomplishments and the visibility Kirk and Anne Douglas have worldwide. We are honored that they choose St. Lawrence University and our students to be among their primary philanthropic interests."

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