The University of San Diego is set to receive a large donation from its Chair of Board of Trustees to bolster STEM programs, officials announced today.

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,

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,