Philanthropic Legacy Enriched: Kalamazoo Couple’s $100 Million Gift to Spelman College Marks a Historic Milestone
In an extraordinary display of generosity, Kalamazoo businesswoman and philanthropist Ronda Stryker and her husband, William Johnston, have bestowed upon Spelman College in Atlanta a remarkable $100 million donation, etching their names indelibly into the chronicles of higher education and social progress. This unprecedented gift, the largest in Spelman College’s history and among historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), exemplifies the couple’s unwavering dedication to empowering young women and fostering educational opportunities.
Spelman College: A Beacon of Academic Excellence and Social Change
Founded in 1881, Spelman College stands as a beacon of academic excellence and social change, cultivating the intellectual and personal growth of young women for over a century. With a thriving enrollment of approximately 2,300 students, Spelman College has consistently ranked as the top HBCU by U.S. News & World Report for an impressive 17 consecutive years. Moreover, the college holds the distinction of graduating the highest number of Black women who subsequently pursue doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Ronda Stryker: A Stalwart Champion of Education and Philanthropy
Ronda Stryker, a prominent figure in the business and philanthropic realms, has long been a dedicated advocate for education and social justice. Her unwavering commitment to Spelman College is deeply rooted in her own experiences as a student and her profound belief in the transformative power of education. As a trustee of Spelman College since 1997, she has tirelessly championed the institution’s mission to provide exceptional educational opportunities to young women from diverse backgrounds.
A Transformative Gift with Far-Reaching Impact
Spelman College will judiciously allocate the $100 million donation to bolster its financial aid program, ensuring that deserving students can pursue their academic aspirations unburdened by financial constraints. A significant portion of the gift, amounting to $75 million, will be dedicated to establishing endowed student scholarships, offering a lifeline of support to generations of aspiring scholars. 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.
Philanthropy as a Catalyst for Change
Ronda Stryker and William Johnston’s extraordinary philanthropy extends far beyond their transformative gift to Spelman College. Their unwavering commitment to social progress has manifested in numerous other generous contributions, including a $100 million donation to the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, named in honor of Ronda Stryker’s grandfather. Additionally, their Stryker Johnston Foundation has made substantial donations to the Foundation for Excellence, a Kalamazoo-based organization dedicated to bridging philanthropy and municipal finance.
A Legacy of Inspiration and Empowerment
The Stryker-Johnston couple’s philanthropic endeavors serve as a testament to their unwavering belief in the power of education to uplift individuals and transform communities. Their historic gift to Spelman College will undoubtedly inspire countless young women to pursue their dreams and make a profound impact on society. Spelman College President Helene Gayle eloquently captured the essence of this transformative gift: “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.”
Additional Highlights:
* Spelman College is a private, historically Black women’s liberal arts college located in Atlanta, Georgia.
* The college has been ranked number one among HBCUs by U.S. News & World Report for 17 consecutive years.
* Ronda Stryker is the largest individual shareholder of Kalamazoo-based Stryker Corp. and serves as a director at the company.
* Stryker and Johnston’s $100 million gift is the largest ever in Spelman College’s history and among HBCUs.
* The donation will be used to support endowed student scholarships, develop an academic focus on public policy and democracy, improve student housing, and provide flexible funding for critical strategic needs.
* The couple’s philanthropic work extends beyond Spelman College, including a $100 million gift to the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine and substantial donations to the Foundation for Excellence.
* Their generosity has been widely recognized and lauded, inspiring countless individuals and organizations to follow their philanthropic example.