(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- DePaul University's music program just got a generous donation from a late supporter.
School of Music Dean John Milbauer said he was "shocked and surprised" when he found out the program will be receiving a $10 million grant.
"I know how rare a gift of this magnitude is, and so it was a wonderful, wonderful surprise."
The gift comes from Mary Patricia Gannon, who died in February of last year.
Milbauer says Gannon was an avid opera lover and built a connection with the university through close friends.
"She ended up being drawn to DePaul and wanted to support what we do,” he said.
The money will likely be used for things like facility and equipment upgrades, and to incentivize new initiatives.
"This was the missing piece. Everything else is here, and this gift means that whatever we put forward, whatever we try, the wind's going to be at our back," Milbauer said.
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