Philanthropist Remembered For Generosity to Education

By Caroline Hendrie

Walter H. Annenberg, who died last week at age 94, built a lucrative media empire, played host to presidents and princes, and established two respected schools of communications that bear his name. But he will best be remembered among educators for record-setting philanthropic efforts aimed at promoting improvement of the nation's public schools.

Mr. Annenberg's death on Oct. 1 came at a time when experts are still assessing the legacy of his five-year, $500 million grant to American public education unveiled in late 1993, known as the Annenberg Challenge. Its flagship effort was a series of major grants to improve schools in nine urban areas, including Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City.

As tributes to Mr. Annenberg as publisher, diplomat, and philanthropist poured forth last week, a university administrator tapped to speak on behalf of his foundation voiced frustration that the purpose of that highly publicized gift had not been fully understood. The Annenberg Challenge, which included efforts to invigorate rural and arts education as well as urban schools, has been criticized by some observers as a missed opportunity. ( "Annenberg Challenge Yields Lessons for Those Hoping to Change Schools," ...