'Law & Order: SVU's' Mariska Hargitay Donates $100,000 to UCLA

1:33 PM PDT 9/27/2011 by Lesley Goldberg

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The actress and former Bruin's donation will become part of an acting scholarship earmarked for students at the university's School of Theater Film and Television.

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Mariska Hargitay

Law & Order: SVU star Mariska Hargitay has donated $100,000 to her alma mater, the UCLA School of Theater Film and Television.

The donation goes toward an acting scholarship, dubbed the Mariska Hargitay Scholarship for Acting Students, and earmarked for both graduate and undergraduate studies and will be awarded based on merit.

“After all I have received from TFT for my journey as an actor; I am so excited to give back,” Hargitay said in a statement announcing the news. “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. I cheer for the students now receiving those gifts at TFT, and to play a part in their journey as artists is hugely gratifying.”

Hargitay graduated from UCLA’s acting program and has starred on SVU since its 1999 launch, picking up an Emmy and Golden Globe for role as Detective Olivia Benson. She received the university’s TFT Distinguished Alumni Award this summer and was honored at the school’s June commencement ceremony.

“We are honored to carry on her tradition of excellence and hard work by supporting deserving young talent,” dean Teri Schwartz said.

Email: Lesley.Goldberg@thr.com; Twitter: @Snoodit