By: Danny Jacobs

Back in March, I wrote about the University of Baltimore School of Law reaching the $15 million plateau in private fundraising it needed to supplement the $92 million in state money it’s receiving for a new law school building.

Thursday, we found out how the law school reached the magic number: a $5 million donation from Peter G. Angelos. The announcement comes two years after Angelos made a $5 million matching dollar-for-dollar pledge.

UB President Robert L. Bogomolny admitted that without Angelos’ $10 million commitment, it might have taken several more years to reach the $15 million goal considering the economy.

“The fact he stepped up when he did is very positive for our project,” Bogomolny said.

But, in typical Angelos fashion, he did not want his donation publicized. Bogomolny said the donation was made in the spring, but it was only with some cajoling from the president that Angelos finally agreed to its disclosure.

“He really doesn’t want the spotlight,” Bogomolny said. But “from the standpoint of momentum for our capital campaign, it’s very important to show big gifts.”

Groundbreaking for the new John and Frances Angelos Law Center is set for the end of August, and bidding is underway for foundation and facade work.