Led Zep Reunion Show Earns Uni $41m
Oxford University gets a big payday from 2007's landmark gig
The Daily Mail reports that the donation of around £26m was raised, at least in part, by Zep's concert in London. It was made by Mica Ertegun, widow of Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun (to whom the London show was a tribute), is understood to be one of the largest in Oxford’s 900-year history.
The funds will be used to set up the Mica and Ahmet Ertegun Graduate Scholarship Programme in the Humanities.
The scheme will see students worldwide compete for an award to study subjects including literature, history, music, art history, Asian studies, Middle Eastern studies and archaeology.
Oxford vice-chancellor Andrew Hamilton said today: "The money from the concert was a magnificent moment that allowed the funding, a number of years ago, of both undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships.
"That was the start of a partnership was has led to the creation of the Ertegun Scholarships, which are due to the 'immense generosity' of Mrs Ertegun, he added.
Zep bassist John Paul Jones said that he was "very proud" that the concert had resulted in the new programme.