KU gets $5 million pledge toward new energy center

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The University of Kansas has received a $5 million pledge toward the new Energy and Environment Center that will be built as an addition to Lindley Hall.

The university said Friday that the gift from Oklahoma City-based Chesapeake Energy Corp. will fund an interactive, high-tech auditorium that will anchor the $28 million center.

The 40,000-square-foot Energy and Environment Center will be the setting for a team approach to teaching future geologists, engineers and environmental scientists.

Construction will be funded by private gifts raised through the independent KU Endowment. University officials say the endowment has received commitments totaling $17 million in the past six months.