Philanthropist gifts $10 million for new center at TFT

A Los Angeles-based philanthropist recently donated $10 million to launch a new center at the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television.

Jeff Skoll, founder and chairman of Participant Media and former president of eBay, gave $10 million to create the Skoll Center for Social Impact Entertainment.

The new center is intended to promote the use of performing arts and entertainment as a tool for social change, according to a UCLA press release. Researchers at the center will focus on global research, education for students and faculty and public programming.

Skoll said in the press release that the new center is a continuation of the vision he had when he founded Participant Media, which has funded social-impact films such as “An Inconvenient Truth” and “Waiting for ‘Superman.'”

He added in the statement that he hopes the center will connect the creative community with entrepreneurs, nonprofits and corporations.

Compiled by Rebecca DeShetler, Bruin contributor.

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