Feld Family Foundation Pledges $10 Million to BU

Three endowed professorships included in major new gift

The Feld Family Foundation has pledged $10 million to enhance faculty development and other University projects, Boston University President Robert A. Brown announced today.

The Feld Family Foundation is a private philanthropic organization administered by the Feld family, Kenneth Feld (SMG’70), Bonnie Feld (CAS’73), and their daughters Nicole, Alana (COM’02), and Juliette. The foundation is dedicated to supporting higher education, the performing arts, and conservation of the endangered Asian elephant.

Prior foundation support established the Feld Family Career Center at the School of Management and the Feld Family Skating Center at Agganis Arena. This new pledge is a key facet of BU’s multiyear development plan led by Brown and the Board of Trustees.

“The Feld family’s generous gift points directly to the heart of the University’s strategic plan to strengthen the quality of the faculty,” says Brown. “Furthermore, the family’s philanthropic initiative provides a shining example for alumni and friends of the University to emulate. We truly appreciate their benevolence and leadership.”

Kenneth Feld, chairman and CEO of Feld Entertainment, a BU trustee, and chair of the Trustees’ Development & Alumni Committee, designated $7.5 million through the foundation to establish three endowed professorships, one in each school attended by a Feld family member: the Feld Family Professorship of Marketing in the School of Management; the Feld Family Professorship of Teaching Excellence in the College of Arts & Sciences; and the Feld Family Professorship of New Media in the College of Communication.

The balance of the donation, $2.5 million, will be allocated by mutual agreement.

“Our goal at the Feld Family Foundation is to support higher education, particularly as it relates to those educators setting the pace and challenging the minds of tomorrow’s leaders,” says Kenneth Feld. “We are an alumni family, and we have all benefited from our experiences with BU and are very pleased with the direction Dr. Brown is taking the University. Through the Feld Family Foundation, we are in a position to give back to BU so others can experience the same opportunities.”

Feld Entertainment is the world’s leading producer and presenter of live family entertainment. A privately owned and operated family company, it is the parent company of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Feld Motor Sports, Disney On Ice, and Disney Live! With more than 5,000 performances annually and tours in more than 65 countries on 6 continents, the company’s shows are seen by more than 30 million people each year.

“The magnanimous pledge by Kenneth and the Feld Family Foundation is truly commendable for its focus on fortifying our teaching resource,” says Robert A. Knox (CAS’74, GSM’75), chair of the Board of Trustees. “Their support ensures that our commitment to excellence will be achieved.”

Alan M. Leventhal (Hon.’09), a trustee and former trustee chair, who oversaw creation of the current 10-year, $1.8 billion strategic plan, adds, “The Feld Family Foundation’s gift is magnificent and particularly important to Boston University. Not only has Ken’s leadership role as a trustee been critical, but as an alumni family, he and Bonnie have set a new standard of generosity. They and their daughters have made family philanthropy a top priority. Their example will continue to inspire alumni giving for years to come.”

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