Klein Donates $10 Million To Financial Aid, Barker

In a large boost to the University's Capital Campaign, officials announced a $10 million donation yesterday, a portion of which will go to establishing a new undergraduate scholarship fund.

The gift from Walter C. Klein '39 adds to the $200 million the University Campaign has already raised "for new endowed undergraduate scholarships," according to a Harvard press release.

Of the $10 million, approximately $4 million will go to undergraduate grants, according to Director of Communications Andrew K. Tiedemann.

"It will be going to the need-based scholarship program," Director of Financial Aid James S. Miller said.

The remaining $6 million will help fund the professorship in Klein's name--a post currently held by Professor of Classics Charles Segal--and helped finance the construction of the Klein wing in the Barker Center, Tiedemann said.

"It's a wonderful gift," Miller said. "It's quite impressive."

Financial aid officers were not able to verify when the scholarship fund will take effect or whether current undergraduates will benefit from the Klein scholarships.

For Harvard, the Klein contribution means that the University will exceed its financial aid fundraising goal of $200 million, according to the press release. This goal was officially met in early April.

"Walter is marvelously indefatigable in his efforts to strengthen Harvard," Dean of the Faculty Jeremy R. Knowles said. "He is always aware of what we need to remain vigorous whether he is interviewing applicants to the College or leading the Class of 1939 through its reunions."

Klein's donation is double the contribution to which he initially committed himself.

As a Harvard undergraduate, Klein took four courses for credit and audited another four courses each semester. A history concentrator, Klein also studied multiple foreign languages.

"Harvard holds to the premise that college is not a time for a pre-professional focus but rather for a general, thorough liberal education," Klein said in the press release. "Throughout my life, I have drawn greatly on my own humanities education, which has enriched me personally and professionally."

Klein currently serves on the Committee on University Resources Campaign Executive Committee, the Harvard College Fund Council, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences New York Major Gifts Steering Committee and the Overseers' Visiting Committee to the College.

In addition, Klein is a reunion gift chair for his class's upcoming 60th reunion.

--Jenny E. Heller contributed to the reporting of this article.