The City College of New York (CCNY) today announced a $25 million gift to the School of Architecture from the Bernard and Anne Spitzer Charitable Foundation. It is among the largest single donations ever given to an architecture school, topping two $20 million gifts to Yale and a $20 million donation to Pennsylvania State, and just below a $30 million gift to the University of Michigan. “It’s transformative for the school,” said Dean George Ranalli.

The majority of the donation will be put into an endowment, the interest from which will be used to fund faculty positions and research, as well as student funding, awards, publications, and other programming, Ranalli told AN. “It’s always been an issue of resources for us that has separated us from the top schools,” he added. “This goes a long way toward leveling the playing field.” He also said that the school is expanding its offerings, with a new masters degree in sustainability and a possible doctoral program in urbanism.

“I strongly believe there are few things more fundamental to the common good than an educated society, and few institutions that contribute more faithfully to that overarching goal than City College,” said Bernard Spitzer, a 1943 CCNY engineering graduate and real estate developer, in a statement. “I feel privileged to support their work, their vision and their future.”

The school’s new Rafael Viñoly–designed home, which will open for the summer session this year, will be named for the Spitzers.