Donald Morrison, UCLA Anderson professor emeritus, and his wife, Sherie Morrison, UCLA distinguished professor of microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics, have donated $10 million to the UCLA Anderson School of Management to establish the Morrison Family Center for Marketing Studies and Data Analytics.

Their donation, which is the largest single gift from a UCLA Anderson faculty member, allows Anderson to create a research center that will serve as a resource for academics and practitioners as they use data and analytical tools to advance understanding of consumer markets and behaviors. The gift will enhance UCLA Anderson’s marketing curriculum and academic research.

“Marketing isn’t just about creative thinking today,” Don Morrison said. “It includes more quantitative research that incorporates the art of econometrics, big data, psychology, behavioral research — all under the umbrella of ‘marketing studies.’ This center will support visiting scholars and Ph.D. students’ interaction across disciplines. It will also offer funding for faculty, and Ph.D. student research and conference participation to enhance the impact of research in the marketing field.”

The Morrisons are long-time supporters and academic leaders of UCLA, providing financial support for a number of the university’s most critical areas of need that include athletics, biomedical sciences and UCLA Anderson, where both of their daughters earned their MBAs. Much of their philanthropy was made possible by Sherie Morrison’s work developing genetically engineered antibodies. 

“Don and Sherie are star members of the UCLA community,” said UCLA Anderson Dean Judy Olian. “Their vision for the Morrison Family Center for Marketing Studies and Data Analytics is inspiring and bold. This gift is truly heartwarming, coming from such beloved members of our community and a huge source of pride and inspiration as we launch ’Into The Next, The Campaign for UCLA Anderson’.”

The gift is part of the Centennial Campaign for UCLA, a $4.2 billon fundraising drive scheduled to conclude in 2019, the university’s 100th anniversary.

Read the full release at UCLA Anderson.