Transformational Gift to Create Jackson Institute for Global Affairs

New Haven, Conn., April 3, 2009 — President Richard C. Levin announced today that Yale has received a $50 million gift to establish the Jackson Institute for Global Affairs.

“The Jackson Institute will become a signature program, marking Yale’s global aspirations. Its teaching programs will permeate the University, expanding the curriculum in international affairs so that students in all its schools are better prepared for global leadership and service. I am profoundly grateful to John W. and Susan G. Jackson for their transformational gift,” said Mr. Levin.

The Jackson Institute is designed to serve the whole University. It will offer courses for students in all of Yale’s schools who are interested in global affairs, and provide career counseling and placement services for any student who wishes to pursue a career in diplomatic service or with international agencies. The new Institute will also assume responsibility for the University’s core teaching programs in the area of contemporary international affairs, expanding the undergraduate International Studies major and elevating the master’s program in International Relations. It will serve as a center for discussion through active programs of public lectures, conferences, and executive education.

“We hope to inspire students to pursue careers in diplomacy and public service and to become globally engaged leaders in all walks of life,” said John Jackson, a 1967 graduate of Yale College. “We are delighted to help Yale advance this mission.”

The Jackson Institute will initially recruit four members of the tenured faculty to teach half their courses in the International Studies major and the International Relations masters program. Yale will also recruit at least four distinguished practitioners of international affairs as Senior Fellows of the Jackson Institute to teach in the undergraduate and master’s programs and be valuable counselors and mentors to students aspiring to public and international service.