The University of Notre Dame received a gift of $75 million from trustee John W. “Jay” Jordan, the largest single donation in the school’s history.

The gift also makes Jordan the school’s biggest benefactor, with a total of $150 million, the university near South Bend, Indiana, said today on its Web site.

The newest donation will create a science and technology research program to spur “innovative intellectual property that has important commercial potential,” the school said. The funds can be used to recruit faculty and students, provide laboratory equipment, support seed grants and build prototypes.

Jordan, a 1969 graduate, is a co-founder of Jordan Co., a private investment firm. He has served on the school’s board since 1993.