Corbin entrepreneurs make $3 million gift to College of Business

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - University of Louisville leaders announced today a $3 million gift to the College of Business that will expand the university's nationally ranked entrepreneurship program.

The gift, made by Corbin entrepreneurs Terry and Marion Forcht, is among the largest gifts the college ever has received.

“A gift of this magnitude recognizes our accomplishments and launches our programs to the next level," said Charlie Moyer, dean of business. "As a visionary entrepreneur, Terry Forcht also brings inspiration and a wealth of intellectual capital to our efforts."

The gift creates The Forcht Center for Entrepreneurship, which will expand student exposure to entrepreneurial challenges and opportunities, host forums and speakers of national and international significance, expand partnerships and celebrate the success of entrepreneurial graduates.

In little more than a decade, UofL's entrepreneurship program has grown substantially and earned national recognition. It was recently named one of the top 25 U.S. graduate programs for entrepreneurs by Entrepreneur Magazine and The Princeton Review.

Terry Forcht, a 1959 graduate of UofL, has created or acquired nearly 100 businesses during his 40-year career. He is founder and chief executive officer of Forcht Bank, N.A., one of the largest bank groups in Kentucky, and CEO of the Forcht Group of Kentucky, an umbrella organization for 94 separate companies with more than 2,100 employees.

Forcht, who was named 2006 Alumni Fellow for business, is a member of the college's Board of Advisers.

His wife is a 1959 graduate of the UofL College of Arts and Sciences and is a businesswoman and civic leader.

For information about UofL's College of Business, visit business.louisville.edu