Mariska Hargitay has created a $100,000 (£62,500) scholarship programme for students at her former college in Los Angeles.
The Law & Order: Special Victims Unit star studied drama at the University of California's (UCLA) School of Theater Film and Television (TFT), and she's supporting her alma mater by funding a new initiative.
The Mariska Hargitay Scholarship for Acting Students was announced by Dean Teri Schwartz on Tuesday (27Sep11), and the TV star is hoping her donation will be a big help for the college where she honed her passion for acting.
Hargitay says, "After all I have received from TFT for my journey as an actor; I am so excited to give back.
"My education there not only gave me an invaluable foundation for my craft, but also lit the fire of enthusiasm, perseverance and pursuit of excellence that has fueled me ever since."
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