December 17, 2002

AUSTIN, Texas -- A $3 million gift from well-known Austin philanthropists George and Ronya Kozmetsky will enable St. Edward's University to establish The Kozmetsky Center of Excellence in Global Finance.

Scheduled to open in Fall 2003, the center's mission is to provide leadership in developing ethical methods that promote equitable relationships among countries of varying degrees of socioeconomic development, with particular emphasis on Mexico and Latin America. The center will work with government and business leaders to create long-term, broad-based and sustainable financial growth to meet basic socioeconomic needs and human rights in developing countries.

“The gift to St. Edward's University makes a powerful statement,” said son Gregory A. Kozmetsky, who serves as treasurer of the St. Edward's University Board of Trustees. “My parents chose to make this gift because they believe in the role
St. Edward's plays in providing a values-based education to prepare and develop the workforce and leaders of tomorrow.”

“Gifts of this magnitude make a significant contribution toward our goal of becoming one of the best small universities in the country, and we are grateful to George and Ronya for their extraordinary generosity and vision,” said George E. Martin, president of St. Edward's University. “The Kozmetsky Center of Excellence in Global Finance will make an impact far beyond the campus of St. Edward's University, benefiting not only our students but also those individuals around the world who will be affected by sustainable financial stability.”

In collaboration with existing faculty the as-yet-unnamed director of the center will be instrumental in developing curricular programs, projects and special events. A nationwide search will be launched in early 2003.

Founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1885, St. Edward's University is an independent, Catholic, liberal arts university of more than 4,200 students in Austin, Texas.

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