The following information was gleaned from the internal publications of the institutions mentioned.
* The Robert R. McCormick Tribune Foundation has awarded a $20 million grant to Northwestern University for programs in its school of journalism.
* Two Southern California educators have committed $20 million to the University of Southern California's School of Education.
* The University of California, San Diego, has joined in a unique partnership with federal and state agencies and business to develop a 450-foot-long vehicular bridge that will span Interstate 5 and join the west side of campus to the east campus. The project, expected to set a new standard in bridge construction, has been awarded $6 million from the Federal Highway Administration. The bridge will be more resistant to earthquakes and require less maintenance.
* A $2.5 million gift to Brandeis University will fund its first professorship in Jewish education. It is the first of its kind at a nonsectarian institution of higher education in North America, according to university officials.
* The Indiana University Bloomington freshman class this year is the largest in the 178-year history of the university. A total of 6,735 new freshmen enrolled this fall -- a 10.5 percent increase over last year's numbers.
* Prompted by five alcohol-related deaths among Virginia college students last year, the University of Virginia has rolled out several initiatives -- including more events, extended hours for intramurals, a new full-time health educator, a pilot short course that lasts for seven weeks and enhanced communication -- to combat underage and binge drinking. Deans are also being assigned to first-year residence halls to support and oversee students and promote alcohol awareness.