UMass-Lowell Grad Gives Back To School

The University of Massachusetts Lowell has received a multimillion dollar commitment from one of its most successful alumni.

The gift from Robert and Donna Manning announced Tuesday will result in more than $5 million for a new building for the university's School of Management, which will be renamed in Manning's honor.

Manning has also been named the keynote speaker for Saturday's commencement exercises when he and his wife, also a UMass-Lowell graduate, will receive honorary degrees.

The couple aims to inspire the current university's students as well as support the chancellor, Marty Meehan.

"Because of Marty's leadership and our belief in his ability to continue to move the Lowell campus forward, we want to engage in partnership to help him succeed at what he's doing," Manning said.

Manning, a member of the Class of 1984, is head of MFS Investments, with more than $240 billion in assets.

Meehan says he is "humbled" the generosity of the Mannings.

The WBUR Newsroom and The Associated Press contributed to this report.