John Kluge

In a press conference in a faculty room at the Low Memorial Library, it was just announced that John W. Kluge has pledged $400 million to Columbia University, his alma mater (Class of '37). It will be a gift from his estate, half of which will go to the college. Mr. Kluge—who was in attendance along with unviersity Preisdent Lee Bollinger—said that the money is too be used to make the university more international.

"The reason that I'm doing this is because I believe in it," said the 92-year-old Mr. Kluge. Mr. Kluge has already donated over $100 million to the unversity to help with financial aid. This gift will continue this work, but with a focus on foreign students. "I look forward to Columbia having more global students. And what better city than the city of New York?"

Mr. Bollinger, whose expansion plans have been attacked recently, made it clear that this money is not in any way tied to his proposed Manhattanville expansion—although it could be used for that down the line.

"The gift will go towards the globalization and internationalization of the university" said Mr. Bollinger. "I'm not interested in buildings. I'm interested in minds."

• Frederic Fekkai recently purchased a duplex at 953 Fifth Avenue from billionaire John Kluge for $7.4 million. And Edgar Bronfman Jr. has dropped over $26 million for 3.4 acres in Bridgehampton. (New York Post)
• An East 65th Street townhouse, known as the "Murder Mansion," will soon be the home of heiress Terry Parker. Ms. Parker is purchasing the top half of the renovated mansion, which had listed for $12 million. (Page Six)
• Over at the Urban Glass House, things are heating up. Resort developer Sol Kerzner has agreed to purchase the $10.5 million penthouse in the Philip Johnson-designed building. (But does the purchase include the swanky tote bag?) And we already mentioned Scarlett's big deal in Tribeca last Friday. (New York Times)
• Publisher Jodi Della Femina, and her husband, are selling their Greenwich Village co-op $1.599 million). Tired of Manhattan, they simply "fell in love" with Brooklyn Heights. Aww. (New York)

- Michael Calderone

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