University President the Rev. Robert A. Wild announced a $25 million anonymous gift to the College of Engineering at the end of his presidential address today in the Alumni Memorial Union.

Wild said the donation is from the family of an engineering alumnus and marks the university's fifth eight-figure donation since last December.

"Donors want their gifts to make a real difference—to have a powerful influence," Wild said.

He said the donation brings the dreams of transforming engineering education at Marquette closer to reality.

The gift marks the second $25 million gift to the College of Engineering from the anonymous family, with the first given in December 2006, according to a press release.

The press release said the funds will go toward plans for the Discovery Learning Complex to be built between 16th and 17th streets on Wisconsin Avenue.

Stanley Jaskolski, dean of the College of Engineering, told the Tribune last October that the Discovery Learning Complex will be an innovative facility with integrated classrooms, teaching labs, research labs and a conference center.

Wild said it is important for colleges to win the hearts and minds of donors in different ways. He said in order to do so everyone needs to be on the same page.

"It can be done in all of our colleges," Wild said.

At the address, Wild also discussed previous donations, plans for new buildings, endowment and other Marquette issues. He then devoted time to answer questions from the audience and questions e-mailed to him prior to the address.