Lately, news from educational institutions has been grim, with budget concerns, cutbacks and layoffs dominating headlines.

This climate makes Claremont McKenna College’s latest achievement, the successful conclusion of its George R. Roberts Faculty Leadership Initiative, especially encouraging.

The college has matched and doubled the largest gift for direct faculty development in its history, resulting in a total of $60 million.

The number is impressive, and so are the results: CMC has been able to assign 26 faculty members, designated as George R. Roberts Fellows, to endowed chairs, and add 9 new positions.

“The match was a transformative gift for faculty development at Claremont McKenna,” said Claremont President Pamela B. Gann in a recent release. “It has brought a new and broader dimension to our faculty, and our students will continue to benefit from an extraordinary academic experience for generations to come.” 

Complete story in our Wednesday edition.