Star Wars creator George Lucas has donated a staggering $175 million to the University of Southern California (USC), where he once studied at film school.

In a statement yesterday, 62-year-old Lucas, who also created the Indiana Jones franchise, said: "I discovered my passion for film and making movies when I was a student at USC in the 1960s, and my experiences there shaped the rest of my career. I'm also an ardent advocate for education at all levels and encouraging young people to pursue their ambitions by learning.

"I'm very fortunate to be in a position to combine my two passions and to be able to help USC continue molding the futures of the moviemakers of tomorrow."

Following his graduation in 1966, Lucas directed cult classics THX 1138 and American Graffiti before taking the mainstream by storm.

He is currently developing a fourth Indiana Jones film alongside a Star Wars television series.