Philanthropic Powerhouse: Ronda Stryker and William Johnston’s Transformative $100 Million Gift to Spelman College
A Milestone in Higher Education: Unprecedented Generosity Propels Spelman College Forward
In a landmark moment for higher education, Kalamazoo-based philanthropists Ronda Stryker and William Johnston have bestowed a remarkable $100 million gift upon Spelman College, a historically Black women’s liberal arts institution in Atlanta. This extraordinary donation marks a watershed moment for Spelman College, representing the largest single contribution in its esteemed history and setting a new benchmark for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
A Visionary Legacy: Advancing Education, Empowering Women, and Transforming Lives
With this transformative gift, Ronda Stryker and William Johnston have ignited a beacon of hope and opportunity for generations of Spelman College students. Their unwavering commitment to educational excellence and social justice aligns seamlessly with Spelman College’s mission of nurturing the intellectual, creative, and leadership potential of young women.
Spelman College: A Catalyst for Change, a Bastion of Academic Excellence
Founded in 1881, Spelman College has long been a beacon of academic excellence, consistently ranking among the nation’s top liberal arts colleges. Its unwavering dedication to academic rigor, coupled with its rich cultural heritage, has produced a legacy of outstanding graduates who have gone on to make significant contributions in diverse fields, from science and technology to business and public service.
A Historic Gift with a Multifaceted Impact: Advancing Scholarships, Academic Programs, and Infrastructure
Spelman College plans to utilize this transformative gift with strategic precision, allocating $75 million to establish endowed student scholarships, ensuring that financial barriers do not impede the pursuit of higher education for deserving young women. The remaining $25 million will fuel the development of an academic focus on public policy and democracy, enhance student housing facilities, and provide flexible funding to address critical strategic needs.
Celebrating a Legacy of Philanthropy: The Stryker-Johnston Legacy of Generosity
Ronda Stryker and William Johnston’s remarkable gift to Spelman College is a continuation of their long-standing commitment to philanthropy. Their unwavering dedication to supporting education, healthcare, and community development has left an indelible mark on their hometown of Kalamazoo and beyond.
A Decade of Transformative Giving: Empowering Institutions, Inspiring Change
A decade ago, the couple made a transformative $100 million gift to the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, named after Stryker’s grandfather. Their unwavering support for educational institutions has continued, with substantial donations to the Foundation for Excellence in Kalamazoo, totaling over $85 million in recent years.
Spelman College: A Leader in HBCU Education, a Catalyst for Social Change
Spelman College stands as a beacon of excellence among HBCUs, consistently ranked number one by U.S. News & World Report for 17 consecutive years. Its unwavering commitment to academic excellence and social justice has produced a legacy of outstanding graduates who have made significant contributions in diverse fields.
Securing the Future: Empowering Young Women, Transforming Communities
Ronda Stryker’s appearance on the CBS Mornings show shed light on the profound impact of this historic gift, emphasizing its role in securing the future for young women aspiring to attend Spelman College. This transformative donation will undoubtedly empower generations of students to pursue their educational dreams and make a lasting impact on their communities and the world.