Westminster College Breaks Fundraising Record
NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. — Westminster College has reported its most successful fundraising year in recent history, raising over $10 million during the 2023-2024 fiscal year. This achievement surpasses the previous record of $9 million set in 2012.
More than 1,700 donors, including alumni, students, parents, employees, friends, and corporations, contributed to the total of $10.1 million. Donations supported various initiatives, including legacy gifts, key projects, the Westminster Fund, and endowed scholarships.
“We are incredibly grateful for the phenomenal support and generosity shown by so many of our alumni and friends who have demonstrated a deep commitment to Westminster’s purpose and mission,” said Westminster College President Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson. “Each gift is a testament to the transformative experience a Westminster education provides. Donor support enables Westminster to continue serving as a place where ideas and dreams can grow and flourish.”
Four major gifts accounted for more than half of the year’s total donations. A $2.2 million gift from the estates of Frank Jones ’52 and his wife, Shirley, is being used for renovations and repairs to the Westminster Natatorium. A $1 million bequest from alumnus Jere Stecklein ’73 funded repairs to the Buzz Ridl Gymnasium and other critical systems.
Additionally, a $1 million estate gift from Fred Sullivan, a longtime donor who passed away in January, will support the final phase of the Hoyt Science Center Renovation and Expansion Project and endow the Dietz Sullivan Biology Research Experience. Alumni couple Will Maurer ’53 and Carol Jean Young Maurer ’62 contributed over $1 million to inspire further donations for the Hoyt Science Center renovations.
Throughout the fiscal year, alumni and friends also participated in two four-day crowdsourcing campaigns. The “Give Like a Titan” campaign in November 2023 raised $87,000, while the spring “Operation Swift Gifts” campaign garnered $44,000. These funds supported various initiatives such as the Wherever Needed Most Fund, the Student Emergency Fund, campus beautification projects, and student travel.
The fiscal year concluded on June 30.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
