MALIBU : Tyler Trust Gives $32.5 Million to Pepperdine

Pepperdine University has been given $32.5 million, the largest single gift in the history of the Malibu school, by the trust of noted Los Angeles philanthropist John C. Tyler.

The trust, established by Tyler and his wife, Alice, before his death in 1973, named Pepperdine as its chief beneficiary. The process of turning the money over to Pepperdine began after Alice died last year at age 80, and the announcement that it had been received was made this week.

A spokesman for the university said about 80% of the gift would be added to the school’s endowment, with much of the rest being used for capital improvements. Included in the latter is the renovation of a student center named for the Tylers.

“Their previous generosity has touched every Pepperdine student’s life in some way and this recent gift will have even more profound influence on the entire university community,” said Pepperdine President David Davenport. Before the Tyler gift, the school’s endowment was about $110 million.

The Tylers also made major contributions to the University of Southern California and a number of other institutions. The Tyler Building at USC houses the Delinquency Control Institute they supported, and the John and Alice Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement awards $150,000 annually to the scientist judged to be a “guardian of the future.”