*Spelman College has received a historic $100 million gift from billionaire couple Ronda Stryker and William Johnston.
ABC News reports that this is the largest-ever single donation to a historically Black college or university.
“It’s a transformational gift to any institution, period,” trustee Lovette Russell said.
According to the Associated Press, Spelman intends to use $75 million to endow scholarships. The remaining funds will be used to improve student housing and develop an academic focus on public policy and democracy.
Since 1997, Stryker has been a Spelman trustee. According to The AP, she and her husband gave Spelman $30 million in 2018. We reported that the funds would be used to build the Center for Innovation & the Arts, the College’s first new academic facility since 1996, according to the press release.
“As former educators who believe strongly in social justice, Bill and I have great appreciation for how Spelman provides a superior education for students that encourages them to be global change agents,” said Stryker at the time.
“Spelman alumnae are leaders across every field imaginable, breaking new ground, while tackling some of the world’s most challenging issues from health disparities to the digital divide. We are thrilled to support a building that will encourage students to master technology, innovation and the arts.”
In 2011, Stryker and Johnstone reportedly gave $100 million to create the Homer Stryker medical school at Western Michigan University, The AP reports. Stryker is the granddaughter of the founder of medical device maker Stryker Corp., and Johnson is the chairman of Greenleaf Trust, a money management firm.
Watch the video report about the historic 100 million dollar donation to Spelman via the YouTube clip above.
“We are invigorated and inspired by this incredible act of generosity,” Dr. Helene Gayle, president of Spelman College said, ABC News reports. “This gift is a critical step in our school’s mission to eliminate financial barriers to starting and finishing a Spelman education. 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.”
READ MORE: Financial Investor Frank Baker Pays Off Tuition for Spelman Graduates
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