Spelman College Receives Historic $100 Million Donation
Spelman College has received a historic $100 million donation from Ronda Stryker and William Johnston, marking the largest single gift ever bestowed upon an HBCU. This momentous contribution arrives amidst Spelman's commemoration of its centennial anniversary in 2024, underscored by the resonant hashtag #100for100Spelman.
Dr. Helene Gayle, President of Spelman College, expressed profound gratitude for Stryker and Johnston's remarkable generosity, emphasizing its pivotal role in advancing the institution's mission to dismantle financial barriers obstructing access to a Spelman education, "This gift is a critical step in our school mission to eliminate financial barriers to starting and finishing a Spelman education."
As stated in Spelman's press release, $25 million of this philanthropic infusion is earmarked for initiatives such as the development of an academic focus on public policy and democracy, enhancements to student housing, and the provision of flexible funding to address critical strategic imperatives.
The lion's share of the donation, totaling $75 million, is designated for endowed scholarships. These scholarships will serve as a source of financial aid for students, covering a spectrum of educational expenses ranging from tuition and fees to books and other essentials.
This landmark contribution epitomizes Stryker's steadfast commitment to Spelman College, underscored by her tenure as a member of the Board of Trustees. Reflecting on her philanthropic ethos, Stryker articulates, "I have always recognized the transformative impact of women's higher education, particularly for women of color, non-traditional students, and those reentering education after raising families. It is a cause close to my heart, reflected in my dedication of time, talent, and resources."
Stryker, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors at the Stryker Corporation, a renowned medical technology firm, also holds a directorial position at Greenleaf Trust, a distinguished provider of wealth management and retirement planning services. Her husband, William Johnston, serves as the Chairman of Greenleaf Trust, further exemplifying their shared commitment to philanthropy and community empowerment.
This donation follows a recent $100 million grant bestowed upon UNCF by the Lilly Endowment. Like The Lilly Endowment, Stryker and Johnston's donation coincide with the recent call set forth by the Biden-Harris Administration's White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. President Biden charged the initiative to "develop new and expand pre-existing national networks of individuals, organizations, and communities to share and implement administrative and programmatic best practices related to advancing educational equity, excellence, and opportunity at HBCUs.”