Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has just received one of the largest individual donations in its history.

The school received a $12 million gift from Carl Karlsson, a member of the Class of 1960 who passed away in 2023, the university announced Thursday.

Karlsson, who graduated in chemical engineering, built a career in information systems and technology and was a longtime donor for WPI, according to an email from the university.

The $12 million gift from Karlsson will provide support to WPI, specifically in funding endowed professorships for early-career faculty members.

“This is a shining example of the extraordinary generosity and dedication of our alumni to give back and help WPI continue to thrive,” Grace J. Wang, President of WPI, said in an email on Thursday. “Carl Karlsso

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