Philanthropic Powerhouse: Ronda Stryker and William Johnston’s Transformative Gift to Spelman College
In an extraordinary display of generosity, Kalamazoo businesswoman and philanthropist Ronda Stryker and her husband, William Johnston, have gifted a remarkable $100 million to Spelman College, a prestigious private, historically Black women’s liberal arts college in Atlanta, Georgia. This unprecedented donation is the largest in the institution’s history and, remarkably, the most significant single contribution ever received by any historically black college or university (HBCU).
Ronda Stryker, a dedicated Spelman College trustee since 1997, holds a prominent position as the largest individual shareholder of Kalamazoo-based Stryker Corp. and serves as vice chair and director at Greenleaf Trust. Her husband, William Johnston, is the esteemed chairman of Greenleaf Trust.
Spelman College, founded in 1881, has nurtured the academic and personal growth of approximately 2,300 students, empowering them with knowledge, critical thinking skills, and unwavering resilience. The institution’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence and social justice has earned it the distinction of being ranked number one among HBCUs by U.S. News & World Report for an impressive 17 consecutive years.
This transformative gift, enthusiastically welcomed by Spelman College President Helene Gayle, is poised to play a pivotal role in eliminating financial obstacles that hinder students from embarking on and completing their educational journeys at Spelman. President Gayle expressed heartfelt gratitude to Ronda Stryker, recognizing her exceptional generosity, selfless dedication, and unwavering support as both a trustee and a cherished friend of the institution.
The profound impact of this donation will be felt across various facets of Spelman College’s operations. A substantial portion of the funds, amounting to $75 million, will be meticulously allocated to establish endowed student scholarships, providing much-needed financial assistance to deserving individuals who aspire to pursue higher education at Spelman. The remaining $25 million will be strategically invested in developing an academic focus on public policy and democracy, enhancing student housing facilities, and establishing a flexible funding mechanism to address critical strategic needs as they arise.
Lovette Russell, the esteemed chair of Spelman College’s board, hailed the donation as a “transformational gift” that will undoubtedly elevate the institution to new heights. With immense gratitude and inspiration, she announced this historic contribution to the Spelman College student body, igniting a wave of excitement and anticipation for the transformative possibilities that lie ahead.
Ronda Stryker and William Johnston: A Legacy of Philanthropy
Ronda Stryker and William Johnston’s philanthropic endeavors extend far beyond this monumental gift to Spelman College. Their unwavering commitment to making a positive impact is evident in their extensive history of charitable giving. In 2013, the couple generously donated $100 million to the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, named in honor of Ronda Stryker’s grandfather. Their unwavering support for the Foundation for Excellence, established in 2017 to bridge the gap between philanthropy and municipal finance in Kalamazoo, is further testament to their dedication to fostering positive change within their community. In 2019, their Stryker Johnston Foundation made a substantial contribution of $57.7 million to the Foundation for Excellence, followed by an additional $28.2 million in 2020.
Ronda Stryker’s remarkable achievements and contributions have earned her a prominent position on Forbes’ 2023 list of the wealthiest Americans, ranking 128th with an impressive net worth of $7.4 billion. Her unwavering commitment to philanthropy and her unwavering belief in the transformative power of education continue to inspire and motivate others to make a meaningful difference in the lives of future generations.
Spelman College: A Beacon of Academic Excellence and Social Justice
Spelman College, a beacon of academic excellence and social justice, has consistently demonstrated its dedication to nurturing the intellectual and personal growth of its students, particularly Black women. The institution holds the distinction of graduating the highest number of Black women who go on to pursue and obtain doctorate degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields. This remarkable achievement underscores Spelman College’s unwavering commitment to empowering women and fostering a more equitable and inclusive society.
A Transformative Gift that Inspires Change
The transformative gift bestowed upon Spelman College by Ronda Stryker and William Johnston is a testament to their profound belief in the institution’s mission and its unwavering commitment to academic excellence and social justice. This historic donation will undoubtedly catalyze transformative changes, ensuring that deserving young women have the opportunity to pursue their educational aspirations at Spelman College, propelling them towards success and empowering them to make a lasting impact on the world.
As we celebrate this remarkable gift, let us draw inspiration from the generosity of Ronda Stryker and William Johnston. Their unwavering commitment to education and their belief in the power of philanthropy serve as a reminder of the positive change that can be achieved when individuals come together to support a common cause. May their example inspire us all to make a difference in our communities and to invest in the future of our young people.