MORNING HEADLINES | The Florida businessman who founded the world’s fifth largest supplier of specialty gas is donating $75 million to the University of South Carolina.
The gift of Peter McCausland, who graduated from the university with a history degree in 1971, and his wife is the largest gift to a state public college in history. The university said Wednesday it plans to name its college of arts and science for McCausland, who founded Airgas in 1982. It sold for $13 billion in 2016 after a hostile takeover.
“I hope to continue the legacy of excellence of the faculty in the college of arts and sciences, while expanding the opportunities for students majoring in arts and sciences to leave USC with the curiosity and critical-thinking skills to help them pursue their dreams,” the businessman said of the donation.
The university described the gift as transformational.
“The McCauslands’ commitment will strengthen the work of faculty and staff who offer to our students the knowledge and skills needed for robust careers and meaningful contributions to society,” said USC President Michael Amiridis in a statement. “The broad reach of this investment in the arts, humanities and sciences will expand opportunities for USC students and impact the state of South Carolina for generations to come.”
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