Mystery donor gives $5 million to NYC school

updated 9:20 a.m. ET April 28, 2009

NEW YORK - A mystery donor has given millions to at least 14 colleges run by women.

Hunter College said Monday it received $5 million in the fall and realized only recently that more than a dozen other colleges across the United States had received similar donations.

Hunter College President Jennifer Raab says the money "couldn't have come at a better time."

The City University of New York school says the donor earmarked $4 million for scholarships. The school will use the rest to update its library and give students more group study space.

The gift is Hunter College's largest-ever donation.

At least 13 other schools with women presidents have received anonymous donations ranging from $1 million to $10 million in the last two months. The gifts total at least $74.5 million so far.

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