A former University of Minnesota professor’s bequest will donate $6.5 million to the Science Museum of Minnesota, making it the largest philanthropic gift in the museum’s 117-year history.
The gift came from William D. Wells, a longtime advocate of improving education and literacy in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
“Help us pursue bold science and create lifelong learning opportunities for generations to come,” the museum, which overlooks the Mississippi River in downtown St. Paul, said in a statement posted on its Facebook page. I am deeply grateful to Dr. Wells and his family for their support.”
The museum says the donation will be used to fund the William D. Wells Scientific Chair position, which oversees the museum’s research activities and collections management.
Until Wednesday, the largest recent gift the nonprofit museum had received was a $1 million donation from an anonymous donor for 2019 operating costs.
Before joining the faculty at the University of Minnesota’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Mr. Wells established himself as one of the nation’s leading authorities in the advertising industry. He passed away in September 2020.
Wells’ estate previously donated $9 million to Twin Cities Public Television.