BOSTON (AP) — A U.S. Naval Academy graduate with no affiliation to Berklee College of Music other than the fact he loved attending student performances has left the Boston school an $8.1 million gift, the largest in its 67-year history.

In recognition of the gift from Oliver Dyer Colvin Jr. announced Thursday, Berklee will name one of its recital halls after him.

Colvin, a Cambridge resident, died in 2011 at age 84.

The money will be used for scholarships and campus renovations.

Colvin for years was a familiar face at Berklee’s Performance Center and recital halls, listening to all styles of music, particularly his favorite, jazz.

Berklee President Roger Brown says Colvin’s gift ensures that the next generation of musicians will continue the jazz tradition he loved so much.