Penn gets $25M for politics, economics departments

Revlon chairman gives $25M to Penn for new home for political science, economics departments

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- The University of Pennsylvania has received $25 million to create a new home for its departments of political science and economics.

The gift announced Monday comes from Ronald Perelman, a philanthropist and chairman of cosmetics giant Revlon Inc. He's also a trustee and alumnus of the Ivy League school in Philadelphia.

Political science and economics are two of Penn's most popular majors. The funds will allow the departments to move into a building together in the heart of campus.

Perelman says in a statement that students must be given the tools to understand and make a positive impact on government and the global economy.

His parents, Raymond and Ruth Perelman, gave $225 million to Penn's School of Medicine in 2011. It's the largest donation in university history.