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In a groundbreaking move, Spelman College, a leading institution for Black women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), has received the largest single donation ever granted to a historically Black college or university (HBCU) in the United States. The historic $100 million contribution, a testament to the college’s stature as the top-ranked HBCU by U.S. News & World Report, will significantly impact student life and scholarships for years to come.
Helene Gayle, the president of Spelman College, expressed her elation, stating, “I’m just feeling overjoyed. This is such a historic moment, and it will mean so much not only to the girls who are at Spelman now, but for young women far into the future. It’s just amazing.”
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The lion’s share of the donation, according to Gayle, will be allocated to endowed scholarships, allowing the college to support current students and provide assistance to those aspiring to attend in the future. Lovette Russell, chair of Spelman’s board of trustees, emphasized the transformative impact this funding will have on promising undergraduates facing financial challenges on their educational journey.
“As a student, I experienced the power of this historic institution and how it transforms the futures of talented young women,” shared Russell in an announcement on campus. “I know that some of the brightest young women who dream about coming to Spelman are facing financial hardships and barriers toward higher education. What I am sharing with you today is a major step to ensure more young women can achieve their dreams.”
The remaining 25% of the donation will be directed toward funding housing and other critical projects at the college. Gayle described the gift as “transformative” and highlighted the potential it holds for a college community that consistently achieves greatness with limited resources.
“We have this incredible group of young women,” Gayle noted. “They go on to be doctors, lawyers, and scientists.”
The National Science Foundation has recognized Spelman among the top U.S. higher education institutions for producing students who earn Ph.D.s. Specifically, Spelman holds the distinction of being the leading producer of Black women earning doctorates in STEM fields.
This historic donation is attributed to Ronda Stryker, a billionaire businessperson who has been a long-serving board member at Spelman. Stryker, along with her husband, William Johnston, has previously contributed significantly to the college, with this latest donation being the most substantial. Gayle believes that Stryker’s prolonged association with the college has provided her with firsthand insight into the transformative impact of a Spelman education on young women.
“When I talk to women who graduate from Spelman, they say, ‘We developed such a sense of ourselves, such a sense of confidence that we know we can go anywhere, that when we’re in a room, we belong there,'” remarked Gayle. “And that’s the power of what Spelman and a Spelman education can do. And that’s what Ronda Stryker has had the opportunity to see, up close and personal.”
Gayle hopes that this generous gift will inspire others to invest in HBCUs and recognize the profound impact these institutions have on empowering the next generation of leaders. The historic donation underscores Spelman’s commitment to excellence, resilience, and fostering a supportive environment for Black women pursuing STEM education.