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Target gives $5 million to the University of Minnesota for capital projects

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL ( 2/7/2007 ) -- Target has made a gift of $5 million to the University of Minnesota, to be used exclusively for three capital projects that expand the university's programs in key areas. The gift has been designated for an addition to the Weisman Art Museum, the Carlson School of Management's new undergraduate facility and TCF Bank Stadium.

"We're grateful to Target for their generous support of the University of Minnesota," said university president Robert Bruininks. "Target's gift will support three important capital projects that will build on our academic mission, improve the student experience and add to the entire state's quality of life."

"Access to art and design and a quality education make communities successful and vibrant," said Laysha Ward, vice president, community relations, Target. "Through this gift, we are able to help the university further develop future community leaders and a talented workforce."

Target has previously supported several university projects, such as the Design Institute's summer Design Camp, the arboretum, the Goldstein Gallery and programs at the Carlson School and the Weisman, among other projects.

Included in Target's new gift is funding for a new wing for the Weisman Art Museum. The new addition, designed by Frank Gehry, will expand exhibit and programming space, including a new studio for showcasing creative collaboration among artists and other practitioners. Named the Target Studio for Creative Collaboration, the studio will be open to view while collaborative works are in process.

The gift also provides funds toward the construction, now underway, of the Carlson School's Herbert M. Hanson Jr. Hall. This new facility on the West Bank will make it possible for the Carlson School to increase its undergraduate enrollment by 50 percent. The expansion of the Carlson School undergraduate program will bring the size of the program up to par with most of its peer schools in the Big Ten, which currently enroll about twice as many students.

"Increasing the size of our undergraduate business program helps Minnesota by attracting high-potential students to the U and keeping them in Minnesota as a part of our community," said Bruininks. "It's an exciting project, right in line with the aspirations we've set to become one of the top public universities in the world."

Also included in the Target gift is support for the new on-campus stadium. "TCF Bank Stadium will be an exciting new center of campus life where students, alumni and friends will gather for many years to come," said Bruininks.

Target is committed to supporting the local communities where it does business, giving more than $3 million every week to strengthen families and communities with a focus on education, the arts and social services.

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