Washington, Oct 31 (IANS): An Indian-American entrepreneur couple has gifted $12 million to the University of Dallas, the single largest donation in the university's 57-year history, to fund construction of a new academic building.

The new building, slated to open in the autumn of 2015, will house the Satish & Yasmin Gupta College of Business named after the donors who are both graduates of the university's MBA programme.

"The University of Dallas inspired not only our careers, but our lives, and we hope this new College of Business will inspire business students who come to UD from all over the world," said Satish Gupta.

"Our dream is for the College of Business to become a global meeting ground for diversity and understanding among all cultures," said Yasmin Gupta.

"We hope it empowers students to become leaders who go forth into the world and build stronger communities."

"We are indebted to the University of Dallas," Gupta told Dallas News. "This was a new home for us. It was a tremendous moment in our life coming from India to a different country. But the university embraced us so well. My wife and I have wonderful memories attached to the university."

In 1981, while still a business graduate student at the university, Satish Gupta founded SB International, Inc., a privately-held global steel company headquartered in Dallas. Gupta serves as president and CEO of the company, and his wife is executive vice president.

"The Guptas set a tremendous example for our business students both in the drive and ingenuity they personify as entrepreneurs, and in their commitment to philanthropy and social responsibility," said university president Thomas W. Keefe.

The Guptas, who live in Dallas, are involved in various business and community efforts across North Texas, particularly among the Indian community. Satish Gupta started the area's popular Diwali event to celebrate the Indian festival of lights.