Canadian donates millions to the U.

The University of Utah received one of the largest donations it has ever had from an individual donor this summer — a $13.25 million gift from Canadian and David Eccles School of Business alumnus Pierre Lassonde .

The Lassonde donation creates the newly renamed Pierre Lassonde Entrepreneur Center and will consist of already existing programs including the Pierre and Claudette MacKay Lassonde New Venture Development Center.

The center and its numerous programs have become the David Eccles School's hallmark initiative. They provide students with hands-on learning experiences, with the aim of churning out innovative leaders.

"(Lassonde) is an alumnus of the business school and graduated with an MBA ... he is really passionate about program," Lindsay Allen, spokesman for the Eccles School of Business.

"Our students currently enjoy access to one of the most innovative and hands-on business school ap- proaches in the country," stated Jack Brittain, dean of the David Eccles School of Business. "Pierre Lassonde's generosity ensures that future generations of David Eccles School students will receive unparalleled practical learning. Mr. Lassonde's continued commitment to our program, both personally and financially, is truly invaluable."

Lassonde has been connected to the U. for more than three decades since he received his master's degree in 1973. This spring he also received an honorary doctorate in business from the U.

In 2000, Lassonde founded the New Venture Development Center with a $3 million donation. The center was created in the memory of Lassonde's late wife, Claudette MacKay Lassonde, who had earned a master's in nuclear engineering from the U.

In 2002, Lassonde was elected president of Newmont Mining Corp., the world's largest gold producer. He is a leading gold analyst and investor, and is author of "The Gold Book: The Complete Investment Guide to Precious Metals." Lassonde has also been widely recognized throughout Canada and the world for his philanthropic endeavors, and was awarded membership in the Order of Canada, the country's highest civilian honor.

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