The Simpsons creator Matt Groening has donated $500,000 to the UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television (TFT).

According to CBS News, Groening, 57, will fund The Matt Groening Chair in Animation, an endowment that will allow the TFT animation program to bring in visiting professors and working professionals to teach classes and work with students. CBS adds that the sizable gift was made public the day before Groening receives his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, to celebrate the The Simpsons‘ 500th episode.

“Matt Groening is recognized globally as a preeminent and pioneering animator, storyteller, cartoonist, writer and producer,” Dean Teri Schwartz said in a statement. His groundbreaking animated series have truly changed the landscape of television and have become a gold standard for animation and great storytelling throughout the entertainment industry.”

In addition to the $500k donation, UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television has also been on the receiving end of an annual gift of $50,000 by Groening, in support of animation students producing short animated films with social responsibility themes.

“With this amazing gift, Matt has given our students enormous support and ensured that we will be able to take our program to even greater levels of excellence,” Dean Schwartz added.

Matt Groening, the winner of 12 Emmy Awards, created the long-running animated series in 1989. The show is currently in its 23rd season and is the longest running scripted show in TV history. Besides The Simpsons, Groening is also known for his “Futurama” series which debuted in 1999.

Check out a video below of Simpsons fans celebrating the 500th episode of the iconic show.



via CBS News