Spelman College Receives Historic $100 Million Donation from Ronda Stryker and William Johnston
In a momentous philanthropic gesture, Kalamazoo businesswoman and philanthropist Ronda Stryker and her husband, William Johnston, the chairman of Greenleaf Trust, have bestowed upon Spelman College, a private, historically Black women’s liberal arts college in Atlanta, Georgia, a remarkable $100 million donation. This generous act marks the largest single donation in Spelman College’s history, as well as the largest donation ever received by any historically black college or university (HBCU).
A Legacy of Philanthropy and Impact
Ronda Stryker, a Spelman College trustee since 1997, has a longstanding history of philanthropic endeavors, actively contributing to various organizations and causes. She holds the distinction of being the largest individual shareholder of Stryker Corp., a Kalamazoo-based medical technology company, where she serves as a director. Additionally, she serves as vice chair and director at Greenleaf Trust.
Transformational Gift to Empower Future Generations
The transformative $100 million donation will be strategically allocated to support endowed student scholarships, ensuring that deserving young women have access to a Spelman education, regardless of their financial circumstances. The remaining $25 million will be dedicated to developing an academic focus on public policy and democracy, enhancing student housing facilities, and providing flexible funding to address critical strategic needs.
A Catalyst for Change and Progress
Spelman College President Helene Gayle expressed her profound gratitude for the generous gift, emphasizing its significance in advancing the college’s mission to eliminate financial barriers to education and empower young women to achieve their full potential. She lauded Ronda Stryker’s dedication and support as both a trustee and a friend, acknowledging her invaluable contributions to the college’s growth and success.
A History of Philanthropic Endeavors
Ronda Stryker and William Johnston have a long-standing tradition of philanthropic endeavors, consistently demonstrating their commitment to supporting educational institutions and initiatives that foster social progress. In 2013, the couple made a substantial $100 million donation to the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, named after Ronda Stryker’s grandfather.
Foundation for Excellence: A Bridge Between Philanthropy and Municipal Finance
In 2017, the Foundation for Excellence was established through the Stryker Johnston Foundation’s generous contributions, totaling $57.7 million in 2019 and an additional $28.2 million in 2020. This foundation serves as a bridge between philanthropy and municipal finance, aiming to address critical needs and drive positive change in the Kalamazoo community.
Ensuring a Brighter Future for Young Women
During an appearance on the CBS Mornings show, President Gayle emphasized the profound impact of the donation in securing the future of young women aspiring to pursue a Spelman education, ensuring that they have the opportunity to excel and make meaningful contributions to society.
Spelman College: A Beacon of Academic Excellence and Leadership
Spelman College stands as a beacon of academic excellence and leadership, consistently ranked as the number one HBCU by U.S. News & World Report for 17 consecutive years. The college holds the distinction of graduating the highest number of Black women who go on to earn doctorate degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields.
Conclusion
The $100 million donation from Ronda Stryker and William Johnston to Spelman College is a testament to their unwavering commitment to education, equity, and social advancement. This transformative gift will undoubtedly empower generations of young women to pursue their dreams, break barriers, and make significant contributions to their communities and the world at large.