WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -  

The Purdue University College of Agriculture received an anonymous estate gift valued at $65 million, school officials announced Monday.

Purdue President Mitch Daniels said the generous gift will allow the school's academic integrity to flourish.

"(The gift) will enhance Purdue Agriculture's ability to educate future generations of food and agricultural leaders and scientists, make the discoveries that improve and save lives, and ensure those discoveries make it into the hands of the people who need them," Daniels said.

Dean of Agriculture Jay Akridge said the donors wanted to remain anonymous to provide the college flexibility in how it will use the money.

"Their wishes are that this future funding be used in the best possible way to build on Purdue Agriculture's tradition of excellence and to ensure that we enhance that excellence in all we do going forward," Akridge said.

Since the millions are tied to an estate, it could be years before the gift can be used as an endowment for the college. Still, for students and faculty, there's already a wish list.

Purdue officials also announced that $22 million in gifts and university matching funds has created 13 newly endowed professorships as part of the Faculty Excellence Challenge Match launched last year.

Follow Chris Proffitt on Twitter: @chrisproffitt