BU To Create Breast Cancer Research Center

The Boston University School of Medicine has received a $10.5 million gift from an anonymous donor to create a center for breast cancer research.

It's the largest single donation in the medical school's history, and it will be used to recruit new faculty members, train scientists, fund research projects and provide grants.

Medical school Dean Karen Antman says part of the money will also go toward construction of a new residence hall for first-year medical students.

"This is a very big deal. Getting dollars for breast cancer research is exactly perfect. We serve an under-served population, and I think it provides an opportunity to address disparities in Massachusetts and in Boston."

Although the donor's name has not been made public, Antman says the woman is a graduate of BU's med school and has survived two bouts with cancer.