Buffalo Grove Graduate Donates $1 Million For New Robotics Lab

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — Buffalo Grove High School recently received a $1 million donation from a generous alumnus and his wife. According to District 214, Buffalo Grove High School Class of 1988 alumnus Stephen Yacktman and his wife Ellyn made the donation through the District 214 Education Foundation, to support the creation of a state-of-the-arts robotics, manufacturing and biomedical healthcare innovation lab at the high school. Yacktman, the chief investment officer at Yacktman Asset Management, also offered to help take part in the one-of-a-kind lab's creation.

The donation, according to the district, is the largest single gift in the school’s 46-year history, and was made in honor of Saulius Ploplys, Yacktman's former AP Physics instructor, who retired in 2003.

Yacktman grew up in Arlington Heights and mentioned to the District 214 Education Foundation that he attributes much of his success to his experiences at the high school. The creation of the lab is aimed at making sure students have opportunities to experience new things and be prepared for college and their careers, according to the district.

More information via 214ready.org.