Chicago Media Mogul Gives $32-Million for Asian Art Studies

The University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies has received $32-million from reclusive Chicago philanthropist Fred Eychaner to further the study and preservation of Southeast Asian art, writes The Art Newspaper.

Mr. Eychaner heads Newsweb Corp., which operates local and ethnic newspapers and radio stations in the Chicago area, and gives through his Alphawood Foundation. He collects art from Southeast Asia and did postgraduate work in the field at the London school, known as SOAS, in 2009.

Most of the donation will be used for new faculty positions and scholarships for students from Southeast Asia to study at SOAS and return to work in their native countries. Mr. Eychaner, who keeps a low public profile, discussed the gift in a rare interview with The Art Newspaper.