Wednesday, January 26, 2005

The Southern Illinoisan

The Southern Illinoisan: "JAMES KILPATRICK: CASE OF THE DISENCHANTED DONORS

If and when it goes to trial next year, the civil suit of William Robertson, et als, v. Princeton University promises to be a jawdropper. The case dates from 1961, when the Robertson family made a huge gift to the university. Now the heirs want their money back, and Princeton won't return it.

In the rarefied air of major philanthropy, the case has its breathtaking aspects. These are among the charges brought by the Robertson family:

That Princeton 'improperly and systematically diverted to its own use and benefit more than $100 million from the Robertson Foundation and has fraudulently concealed its wrongdoing.'

That the university engaged in 'flagrant disregard of donor intent.'

That Princeton 'has acted unilaterally and covertly for decades to subvert the Robertsons' intent.'"

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