The pledge from Darlene Marcos Shiley, philanthropist and Chair Emerita at USD, was reported at $75 million, according to the university. “It’s the largest gift in university history and among the largest ever given to any Catholic university in the country,

San Diego philanthropist Darlene Marcos Shiley pledged $75 million to help the University of San Diego continue to build its growing STEM programs. Why it matters: It's the largest-ever gift to USD, and one of the largest given to any Catholic university nationwide,

The University of San Diego got a $75 million boost Saturday from philanthropist Darlene Marcos Shiley for STEM projects. It is the largest pledge received in the history of the university

It's the largest gift in university history and the largest ever given to any Catholic university in the country, according to USD officials.

Shiley announced the pledge Saturday at the Founders Gala celebrating USD's 75th anniversary. Zoom in: The promised money, to be paid over time, will establish the " Shiley STEM Initiative ," fund a new cross-disciplinary STEM facility with teaching and lab space,