Businesswoman and Oil Heiress Promises $20-Million to Dallas Girls School

How much: $20-million pledge

Who gave it: Lyda Hill, a Dallas businesswoman who is the granddaughter of the billionaire oilman H.L. Hunt.

Who got it: Hockaday School, a private girls school in Dallas.

The donor’s connection to the organization: Ms. Hill graduated from the school in 1960.

Purpose: To construct classrooms and research space for programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and to create endowments to finance building maintenance and faculty salaries.

How the gift came about: Ms. Hill originally decided to pledge $10-million to the school’s capital campaign, but when she learned that her gift was the third-largest given by a living alumna to a private girls school, she decided to give more than anyone else had—and surprised Hockaday officials at the public announcement of her gift.

Plans for future giving: Ms. Hill has promised to give at least half of her wealth to charity and reinforced that decision by signing the Giving Pledge promoted by Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates. She plans to continue supporting efforts related to science.

For details about other recent gifts, view our extensive online database.