Ebert gives Cinema Studies program $1 million

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By Alissa Groeninger

Roger Ebert and his wife Chaz announced that they are donating $1 million to the University’s film school.

The University of Illinois Foundation announced that Ebert made the donation during the 11th Annual Roger Ebert’s Film Festival in Champaign.

The money will help support an Ebert program that will further students’ access to cinema studies education.

“The University of Illinois is deep in my heart as a great institution. It informed and enriched me. Although there were no film courses when I was an undergraduate, it nevertheless guided me in my lifelong love of film. I hope when this Program and Center are fully realized, they will inspire new generations,” Ebert said in a press release.