Alum John Kluge, University benefactor, dies at 95

John Kluge, CC ’37 and a major University benefactor, died Wednesday at age 95.

Three years ago, Kluge pledged $400 million to Columbia after his death. This gift is earmarked for financial aid, with half going to Columbia College and a large portion designated for international students.

His previous donations include $100 million in 1987 to establish the John W. Kluge Scholars Program.

When Kluge made the $400 million pledge three years ago, University President Lee Bollinger called it “an amazing act of generosity with a clear intention to help young people.”

Bollinger added, “Part of his [Kluge’s] thinking here is, ‘I want to make this pledge now, and I want it to be known even though there are some things that will remain up for conversation in the future.’”
At the time, the gift was the largest ever designated exclusively for student aid.

“I want to help ensure that Columbia will always be a place where the best and the brightest young people can come to develop their intellect, make something of their own lives, and give something back to our communities, our country, and our world,” Kluge said at the time.

Kluge was born in Chemnitz, Germany, and came to the U.S. when he was eight years old. He attended Columbia College on a scholarship, graduated with honors in economics, and went on to have a successful career in business.

As a “self-made billionaire,” according to the Washington Post, Kluge was also a major benefactor of the Library of Congress. He accumulated many companies in his portfolio, more than 200 in his lifetime, including television stations that were a part of his telecommunications empire.

“He gave back to Columbia and so many people,” said Gerald Sherwin, CC ’55 and former president of the Columbia College Alumni Association. “He was terrific. … He’ll definitely be missed.”