The University of California, Los Angeles , will use an $18 million gift to renovate its Dance Building, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Excluding other private gifts to the school's health science programs, its the largest such gift to UCLA.

The money comes from Glorya Kaufman, widow of Donald Bruce Kaufman, a partner in the construction company Kaufman & Broad. The dance building, first constructed in 1932, will be renamed in her honor.

The renovation is estimated to cost $35 million and will be earthquake-safe. Money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the state of California and the university will help pay for basic improvements.

Construction will begin in 2001 and is expected to take two years. When completed, the building will include a performance hall, rehearsal space, multimedia facilities, offices, classrooms and an theater outside.

Chancellor Albert Carnesale told the Chronicle that the "gift will transform arts at UCLA, particularly the Department of World Arts and Cultures."

Kaufman is known for her support of Los Angeles art galleries, health programs and libraries.

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