Largest Gift in History of Reed College and National Jewish Health Received from Author Dav...( $30 million to be used...),Health

$30 million to be used to support language and literature studies, and to pioneer new approaches for the research and treatment of asthma in children

DENVER and PORTLAND, Ore., July 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- National Jewish Health and Reed College have received the largest gifts in the histories of both organizations, approximately $30 million combined, from the estate of fantasy author David Eddings. Eddings, the author of more than 25 books, passed away June 2, 2009 at his home in Carson City, Nevada at the age of 77. His wife, Leigh Eddings, co-author of his later books, died in February 2007.

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Consistent with their wishes, Mr. Eddings' alma mater, Reed College in Portland, Ore., will receive two-thirds of the total estate to support students and faculty across the college with emphasis given to those studying language and literature. Denver's National Jewish Health, the nation's #1 respiratory hospital, will receive one-third of the total estate to pioneer new approaches in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of childhood asthma.

Eddings was born in Spokane in 1931, graduated from Reed College, and received a master's degree from Washington State University. He married Leigh Schell. The couple lived briefly in Denver, where David began work on his first novel, High Hunt. Eddings shifted to writing fantasy novels after picking up a copy of Lord of the Rings and noticing that it was in its 73rd printing. Eddings most notable novels were the Belgariad and Malloreon series. His wife, Leigh, was credited as co-author on his later novels. The novels have sold millions of copies arou
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