WASHINGTON, PA (Sept. 8, 2017) – Students returning to Washington & Jefferson College (W&J) this fall are already enjoying the benefits of An Uncommon Bond: The Campaign for Washington & Jefferson College, with more improvements on the way to take their education far beyond books and exams.
The Campaign raised funds for facilities, programs, and scholarships that will support W&J students in making their impact on the world; it wrapped up this summer having significantly exceeded its goal. More than one-third of W&J’s alumni, as well as faculty, staff, and friends of the College, contributed to the Campaign, which created 144 new funds that support W&J students, including 67 new scholarships and numerous other benefits.
“Six years ago, W&J set an ambitious goal: to raise $100 million to increase the College’s endowment, improve spaces for learning, and strengthen the W&J Fund,” said Richard T. Clark ‘68, chairman of the Washington & Jefferson College Board of Trustees and chair of An Uncommon Bond. “We close our campaign by celebrating the generosity of our donors who contributed an amazing $115.2 million.”
Current and future generations of W&J College students were the focus of the Campaign, which already has made a major difference in the lives of students by:
- Strengthening the W&J Fund. The W&J Fund immediately benefits W&J students. This Fund helps bridge the gap between tuition and actual costs by funding scholarships, faculty positions, athletics, study abroad opportunities, Magellan Projects and an array of other programs. Campaign funds and annual giving increase the College’s ability to support these areas.
- Increasing endowment for students and faculty. A healthy endowment is the lifeblood of any college or university, and increased endowment funds, thanks to the Campaign, generate additional earnings each year to support W&J students in a variety of ways. It supports scholarships and financial aid, which are essential to enrolling more of our talented applicants, regardless of their ability to pay. Endowed funds – now totaling $142 million – also provide academic and athletic programs with the resources to give students amazing opportunities to travel, attend conferences and competitions, develop independent projects, and experience different parts of our nation and world.
- Improving spaces for learning. Campaign contributions have funded much needed facility renovations and improvements across campus. Construction projects have included Dieter-Porter Life Sciences Building renovations, a modern information commons under way at U. Grant Miller Library, the new Janet Swanson Tennis Center, and the James David Ross Family Recreation Center.
Because of these contributions, W&J is poised to set the standard for liberal arts education, and students will benefit from An Uncommon Bond for many generations.
“Many great things have been accomplished by this campaign,” Clark said. “However, we still have much good work to do. W&J will never stop raising the bar of excellence and providing the best opportunities for our students.”
About Washington & Jefferson College
Washington & Jefferson College, located in Washington, Pa., is a selective liberal arts college founded in 1781. Committed to providing each of its students with the highest-quality undergraduate education available, W&J offers a traditional arts and sciences curriculum emphasizing interdisciplinary study and independent study work. For more information about W&J, visit washjeff.dev, or call 888-W-AND-JAY.