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URBANA -- "Make change happen."
That's the philanthropy philosophy adopted by billionaire alumnus Tom Siebel, who has donated millions to the University of Illinois and funded a variety of initiatives, from stem-cell research to methamphetamine prevention.
One of the more noticeable changes he helped create in recent years on campus was a $32 million donation to help build the Siebel Center for Computer Science.
Siebel and the 225,000-square-foot brick, slate, copper and glass building were feted Thursday as part of a celebration marking the building's 10th anniversary and the department's 50th. Siebel spoke before about 100 faculty, staff and students and answered questions from the audience. He also was to attend the investiture of William Gropp as the Thomas M. Siebel Chair in Computer Science.
"We're in the business of creating organizations that make change happen," Siebel said when asked about his approach toward philanthropy.
In addition to the donation...