Spelman College Receives Largest Donation In HBCU History At $100 Million
Spelman College, a prestigious private women’s college located in Atlanta, has received a monumental $100 million donation, marking the largest single gift ever made to a historically Black college or university (HBCU).
The generous contribution comes from longtime Spelman trustee Ronda Stryker and her husband, William Johnston, chairman of the wealth management fund Greenleaf Trust. The college announced this historic donation with great enthusiasm, highlighting its transformative impact on the institution and its mission to eliminate financial barriers to education.
Dr. Helene Gayle, president of Spelman College, expressed profound gratitude for the extraordinary act of generosity, emphasizing its significance in advancing the school’s commitment to academic excellence and accessibility. The timing of this remarkable gift coincides with Spelman’s centennial celebration, marking 100 years since its naming in 1924.
Spelman College, one of only two historically Black women’s colleges, is a distinguished member of the Atlanta University Center, a consortium of four HBCUs in the city. The $100 million donation from Stryker and Johnston will be allocated strategically, with $75 million designated for endowed scholarships to attract and support exceptional students.
In addition to scholarships, $25 million will be dedicated to initiatives such as developing an academic focus on public policy and democracy, enhancing student housing, and providing flexible funding for critical strategic needs. Dr. Gayle lauded Ronda Stryker for her unwavering support and selflessness, acknowledging her pivotal role in advancing Spelman’s mission and vision.
The philanthropic spirit of Stryker and Johnston extends beyond Spelman College, as they have previously made significant contributions to various causes. Their past donations include a $30 million gift to Spelman and a $100 million endowment to Western Michigan University for the establishment of the Homer Stryker medical school.
This historic donation to Spelman College follows closely on the heels of another major philanthropic announcement within the HBCU community. The United Negro Fund recently disclosed a $100 million donation from the Lilly Endowment Incorporation, aimed at establishing a pooled endowment fund for its 37 member institutions, including Spelman.
As Spelman College continues to uphold its legacy of excellence and empowerment, the transformative impact of this monumental gift will undoubtedly resonate for generations to come, reaffirming the college’s position as a beacon of academic achievement and social progress.
