Philanthropic Legacy Soars: Ronda Stryker and William Johnston’s $100 Million Gift to Spelman College

In a dazzling display of generosity, Kalamazoo businesswoman and philanthropist Ronda Stryker and husband William Johnston have made a historic $100 million donation to Spelman College, an elite private, historically Black women’s liberal arts college in Atlanta, Georgia. This transformative gift stands as the largest in Spelman’s illustrious history, setting an unprecedented benchmark for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

A Visionary Partnership: Advancing Education and Opportunity

Ronda Stryker, a dedicated Spelman College trustee since 1997, has consistently demonstrated her unwavering commitment to empowering young women through education. Her leadership extends beyond Spelman’s boardroom, as she serves as a director at Kalamazoo-based Stryker Corp., where she holds the distinction of being the largest individual shareholder. Additionally, she holds the position of vice chair and director at Greenleaf Trust.

William Johnston, Chairman of Greenleaf Trust, stands alongside his wife as a steadfast champion of education and social progress. Their shared vision for a brighter future for Spelman College has culminated in this transformative gift, which will undoubtedly leave an enduring impact on the lives of countless young women.

Spelman College: A Beacon of Excellence and Empowerment

Founded in 1881, Spelman College has established itself as a preeminent institution of higher learning, consistently ranking among the nation’s top liberal arts colleges. With approximately 2,300 students, Spelman College provides a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment that fosters academic excellence, personal growth, and leadership development.

The college’s unwavering commitment to academic rigor and social justice has earned it widespread recognition. U.S. News & World Report has bestowed upon Spelman College the distinction of being the number one HBCU for an impressive 17 consecutive years. Additionally, Spelman College holds the remarkable distinction of graduating the most Black women who go on to pursue and earn doctoral degrees in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

A Gift that Transforms Lives: Investing in Scholarships, Infrastructure, and Strategic Initiatives

Spelman College will allocate $75 million of the generous donation to establish endowed student scholarships, ensuring that deserving young women have access to a Spelman education regardless of their financial circumstances. This visionary investment in scholarships will break down financial barriers, opening doors of opportunity for generations of bright and talented students.

The remaining $25 million will be strategically invested in developing an academic focus on public policy and democracy, enhancing student housing facilities, and providing flexible funding to address critical strategic needs as they arise. These investments will further elevate Spelman College’s academic offerings, enhance the student experience, and position the college to meet the evolving needs of its students and the communities they serve.

Gratitude and Inspiration: A Catalyst for Progress

The Spelman College community has expressed profound gratitude for the transformative gift bestowed upon them by Ronda Stryker and William Johnston. Lovette Russell, Chair of the College’s Board of Trustees, hailed the donation as a “transformational gift to any institution, period.” She further expressed the college’s immense pride and inspiration, emphasizing the profound impact this gift will have on the lives of Spelman students.

Spelman College President Helene Gayle echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the critical role this gift will play in eliminating financial barriers to a Spelman education. She lauded Ronda Stryker’s selflessness and unwavering support, both as a trustee and a friend of the college. President Gayle firmly believes that Spelman College has been indelibly enhanced by Ronda Stryker’s involvement and generosity.

A Legacy of Philanthropy: Advancing Communities through Generosity

Ronda Stryker and William Johnston have a long-standing history of philanthropic endeavors, consistently demonstrating their commitment to improving the lives of others. In 2013, they made a significant $100 million gift to the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, named after Ronda Stryker’s grandfather.

Their commitment to their hometown of Kalamazoo is further evidenced by their generous contributions to the Foundation for Excellence. In 2019, their Stryker Johnston Foundation donated $57.7 million to the organization, followed by another $28.2 million in 2020. The Foundation for Excellence was established in 2017 with the mission of bridging the gap between philanthropy and municipal finance in Kalamazoo.

Securing the Future: Empowering Young Women to Lead and Excel

Ronda Stryker and William Johnston’s $100 million gift to Spelman College is a resounding affirmation of their belief in the power of education to transform lives and uplift communities. This visionary investment will ensure that Spelman College continues to provide an exceptional education to generations of young women, empowering them to become leaders, innovators, and agents of positive change in the world.

As President Gayle aptly stated during her appearance on the CBS Mornings show, this gift is about securing the future of young women who aspire to attend Spelman College, far into the future. It is a testament to the Strykers’ unwavering commitment to educational equity and their profound belief in the transformative power of higher education.