A Jewish billionaire philanthropist in Chicago has donated $2 million to establish what is believed to be the first chair of transgender studies at a university.
Jennifer Pritzker, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel who is believed to be the only transgender billionaire in the world, made the gift through her Tawani Foundation to the University of Victoria in British Columbia, the Chicago Tribune reported Tuesday.
Aaron Devor, a sociology professor who studies transgender issues and is the founder of the University of Victoria’s Transgender Archives, will be the inaugural chair.
Pritzker’s foundation also supports U.S. military personnel and historiography, according to the Tribune. Pritzker is a member of the Pritzker family, one of America’s wealthiest families, best known for owning the Hyatt hotel chain. — jta