Steelers Co-Owner's Foundation Gives Sewickley Academy $20M

SEWICKLEY, PA — The Tull Family Foundation has given $20 million to Sewickley Academy, the oldest private college prep school in southwestern Pennsylvania. The foundation was founded by Steelers minority owner Thomas Tull and his wife, Alba.

The largest single gift in the school's history will be used for a variety of academic and athletic offerings and also fund the academy's scholarship program.

“We could not be more thrilled by the possibilities a donation of this magnitude brings to the academy,” academy head Ashley Birtwell said.

“As we continue to position the academy for the future, it is critical that we put in place now the academic programs and infrastructure necessary to ensure our place in this community for years to come. This generous donation from the Tulls enables us to do just that.”

The donation's funds will be used for:

• Program enhancements including the establishment of strategic partnerships with regional universities and educational institutions, expanded and intensified course offerings such as summer electives and college counseling services, and increasing STEM class offerings and faculty.

• A scholarship initiative that will enable greater access and opportunities to attend Sewickley Academy, including funding merit aid scholarships and additional resources for 20 incoming middle and senior school students.

• An advanced computer science center that will include enhanced equipment, robotics and advanced computer science labs, expanded department faculty, and increased curriculum offerings including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and advanced robotics.

• Improved academy facilities.

Thomas Tull, 51, is the founder and former CEO of Legendary Entertainment, which produced such Hollywood blockbusters as "Jurassic World," "The Hangover" and "The Dark Night." He sold the company in 2016 for $3.5 billion.

He also is a minority owner of the Steelers.

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