CSU Alumni Gives $13 Million For Scholarships, Construction

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) — Colorado State University says an energy company CEO who graduated from the school is donating $13 million for scholarships and construction projects.

CSU said Thursday that Michael Smith of Freeport LNG will donate $5.8 million for 70 full scholarships in business, geosciences and chemistry.

Smith will also give $3.7 million for the Michael Smith Natural Resources Building and $3.5 million toward the school's new sports stadium. An alumni center in the stadium will be named for Smith and his wife, Iris.

Smith founded Basin Exploration, a Colorado-based energy exploration and production company. After selling Basin, he joined Freeport LNG, which is building a liquid natural gas export terminal in Freeport, Texas.

Smith said his CSU education helped him succeed in business. University President Tony Frank expressed gratitude for the donation.