Spelman College, a historic Black women’s liberal arts college in Atlanta, revealed on Thursday that the institution has received a monumental $100 million gift.
This generous donation stands as the largest single contribution ever made to any Historically Black College or University (HBCU).
Investing in Futures
The historic gift comes from businesswoman and philanthropist Ronda Stryker and her husband, William Johnston, chairman of Greenleaf Trust. Ronda Stryker, a Spelman College Trustee since 1997, is known for her commitment to empowering women through higher education and providing opportunities for marginalized communities.
Out of the $100 million donation, an impressive $75 million will be allocated to endowed scholarships for future students, reflecting a significant investment in the education of the next generation.
The remaining $25 million will be utilized to enhance Spelman’s academic focus on public policy and democracy, improve student housing, and provide flexible funding to meet critical strategic needs, as outlined in the official press release.
This historic contribution coincides with Spelman College’s celebration of 100 years since its official naming in 1924. Renowned as the top-ranked HBCU by U.S. News World & Report, Spelman’s legacy dates back to its founding in 1881 as the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary.
It is an integral member of the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC), the world’s largest consortia of African American private institutions of higher education. The AUCC includes Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Morehouse School of Medicine.
Situated in the heart of Atlanta, Spelman College is dedicated to academic excellence in the liberal arts and sciences, with a mission that emphasizes the intellectual, creative, ethical, and leadership development of its students.
The institution’s diverse student body, comprising over 2,100 individuals from 43 states and 10 foreign countries, benefits from a community focused on eliminating financial barriers to education.
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Ronda Stryker’s Historic Gift to Spelman College
Dr. Helene Gayle, president of Spelman College, expressed gratitude for this extraordinary act of generosity. “This gift is a critical step in our school’s mission to eliminate financial barriers to starting and finishing a Spelman education,” she said. “We can’t thank Ronda Stryker enough for her selflessness and support as both a trustee and friend. There’s no doubt that Spelman College is better because of her.”
The $100 million gift not only marks a historic milestone for Spelman College but also signifies a powerful investment in the empowerment and education of generations to come.
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