Phil Schiller and Kim Gassett-Schiller Donate $10M to Bowdoin College's Coastal Studies Center in Maine - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Phil Schiller and Kim Gassett-Schiller Donate $10M to Bowdoin College's Coastal Studies Center in Maine

by

Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing Phil Schiller and his wife Kim have donated $10 million to Bowdoin College's Coastal Studies Center on Harpswell Sound in Harpswell, Maine, as a user on Reddit pointed out today. In a press release, Bowdoin explained that the gift will allow it to "substantially expand" the facilities in which students perform ocean research and study environmental education.

phil schiller
Specifically, Bowdoin said that thanks to the gift from the Schillers, the college will be able to add a state-of-the art dry laboratory, convening center, modern classrooms, and housing and dining facilities.

“This extraordinary act of generosity and vision by Phil and Kim Schiller will transform the Coastal Studies Center into a facility where students and faculty from Bowdoin and from other institutions can gather together for concentrated periods to learn from each other and to advance knowledge and understanding about the ocean, marine science and the impact of climate change on marine life.”

Phil Schiller explained the family's donation in a video shared recently by Bowdoin, citing the college's efforts in developing new methods to research and fight against pollution, climate change, and other environmental issues. Schiller himself was born on the east coast in Natick, Massachusetts and graduated with a B.S. in Biology from Boston College. One of his sons, Mark, graduated from Bowdoin earlier in 2017.

In response to the $10 million donation, Bowdoin has named the center the "Schiller Coastal Studies Center (SCSC)." The SCSC is located on 118 acres of land that occupies 2.5 miles of the Maine coastline, and is situated on Orr's Island, about 12 miles outside of Bowdoin's main campus. For more information about the center, and the Schillers' donation to Bowdoin, check out the college's website here.

Top Rated Comments

MartinAppleGuy Avatar
115 months ago
Is it just me or do they have the *exact* same face? She is like the female version of Phil haha
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
D.T. Avatar
115 months ago
Figures. Schiller does love to spin great fish tales about Apple Products. Seriously though -- Reel nice donation. Bowdoin should be able to net some good research with it.
Yep, no floundering at all with a guy like Phil, he's not shellfish at all. I'm shore this money will go to a good porpoise.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
115 months ago
Granted some don't like Schiller on stage,
But This is a really unselfish donation they donated and its an area Likely that many don't think about when it comes to researching the Marine environment. I myself would like to understand more about the marine environment.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
skinned66 Avatar
115 months ago
That’s very nice of them. It’s an area of research that probably can’t ever have too much funding.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
LordQ Avatar
115 months ago
Craig and Phil seem like the nicest guys at Apple.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Chupa Chupa Avatar
115 months ago
Figures. Schiller does love to spin great fish tales about Apple Products. Seriously though -- Reel nice donation. Bowdoin should be able to net some good research with it.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

Apple TV Thumb 3

Everything Coming in the 2026 Apple TV 4K

Wednesday July 8, 2026 4:51 pm PDT by
The Apple TV 4K hasn't been updated since 2022, and it's due for a refresh. An update is planned for 2026, but Apple is likely going to wait to launch it after Siri AI launches in iOS 27. Design Apple TV design updates don't happen often, and that's not changing. The next Apple TV is going to have the same squircle shape as the current model, and it'll continue to be made from a black...
iphone 16 teal

'Siri AI' Lawsuit Update: Apple to Pay Owners of These iPhone Models

Thursday July 9, 2026 7:08 am PDT by
In May, Apple agreed to pay $250 million to settle a U.S. class action lawsuit over Siri AI's delayed launch, and eligible iPhone users could receive up to a $95 payout. This week, the California court overseeing the case held a hearing regarding preliminary approval of the settlement, but the judge has not yet issued a ruling. It will likely be at least a few more months before eligible...
apple wallet drivers license feature iPhone 15 pro

Apple Says iPhone Driver's Licenses Will Expand to These 6 U.S. States

Thursday July 9, 2026 7:29 am PDT by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. To set up the feature, open the Wallet app on the iPhone and tap on the plus sign in the top-right corner. Next, tap on Driver's License and ID Cards,...