At noon today The University of Akron will be announcing a major gift that will “advance research and attract top talent,” according to a media advisory sent out yesterday, Oct. 31.

“Occasionally the size and scope of a donation makes a momentous impact not only on an area of the University, but on the greater Akron community as well,” the notice says.

The benefactor is not known, although he bears the name of an Akron native “who has made numerous noteworthy contributions to his hometown through the years.”

UA President Matthew Wilson, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation President Alberto Ibargü, and other guests will participate in the day’s events. No further information was given.

Something similar to this happened last semester, when UA held a special event in the Honors building to announce a gift of $3 million from alumni Gary and Pamela Williams, after whom the name of the Honors College was changed.

That event, which happened on Feb. 3, was publicized as a “transformational gift,” hints of which were sent out by email a few days before and on Zipmail the day of its announcement.

The Williamses’ $3 million gift brought their total donations to UA to more than $10 million, and it is being used, among other things, to continue to fund the Williamses’ endowed lecture series and scholarship, as well as the newly-created Honors College Endowment Fund.

Today’s event will take place in the Goodyear Polymer Center.