During a Feb. 5 press conference in University Gallery, the largest estate gift in Eastern Michigan University history was announced. The gift, a combination of cash and property, totals $2.2 million. The University will use the gift to establish the Jean Noble Parsons Center for the Study of Art and Science, located near Traverse City and Interlochen. Activities planned include the establishment of a research center and wildlife sanctuary; an integrated artistic and scientific program for graduate students; use of the dwelling and property for intellectual discussion by researchers, professors and scientists; nature walks for observation and identification of flora and fauna; and public seminars on a range of artistic, environmental and spiritual topics. Some key numbers regarding the gift include:

Cash gift $1.75 million

Property worth $489,000

Acres 86

Planned uses for property 5

Parsons' Governing Board members 13

Source: Jean Noble Parsons Estate Gift Press Conference

 

 

 

 

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