Maggie Allesee, a well-known Detroit-area philanthropist, selected Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University, Grand Rapids, Mich., as the recipient of a $250,000 commitment to support an undergraduate (BFA) program in jewelry and precious metals design.

The Allesee Metals/Jewelry Design Program will prepare graduates for careers in an industry that requires an understanding of basic design principles and knowledge of the aesthetic use of raw materials as well as technical bench procedures. The program also will cover designing and creating jewelry and metalwork; casting, chasing, raising, enameling, and other metalworking procedures; basic industry practices; and knowledge of the place of jewelry and metalworking in the history of art.

The 73-year-old Kendall College of Art and Design offers a four-year program that prepares students for careers as professional artists and designers, with classes in design, drawing, art history, liberal arts, and sciences.