The University of Kansas says a $16 million gift will help build a hall in the university’s planned Earth, Energy and Environment Center.

The university announced the gift Thursday from the family of Donald Slawson, a Wichita resident who died July 7. He graduated from the university in 1955 and founded Slawson Exploration, becoming a leader in the oil and gas exploration industry.

The university said in a news release the gift will fund Slawson Hall, which will provide space for collaboration among researchers in several earth science and energy fields. Part of Slawson Hall will be used to provide real-world applications of discoveries made at the university.

Slawson was twice appointed to the National Petroleum Council, and also served two terms on the Kansas Board of Regents.