Spelman College Receives $100 Million Donation, Largest Ever to any HBCU

A $100 million gift to Spelman College is the largest single donation to the private Atlanta school and also holds that record for any historically Black college or university, officials announced Thursday. The $100 million comes as Spelman College marks 100 years since its official naming in 1924.

The historic contribution comes from Ronda Stryker, the longest-serving member of Spelman’s Board of Trustees, and her husband, William Johnston. Stryker sits on the board of directors of Stryker Corp., a Michigan-based medical technologies firm founded by her grandfather. She has worked for decades to empower women through higher education and advance opportunities for additional marginalized groups. Johnston is chairman of Greenleaf Trust, an investment banking firm.

“We are invigorated and inspired by this incredible act of generosity,” said Dr. Helene Gayle, president of Spelman College. “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.”

The college will use $75 million to fund endowed scholarships for future students. The remaining dollars will go to renovate dormitories, to develop an academic focus on democracy and public policy, and to provide flexible funding to support other needs.

The donation kicks off the #100for100Spelman campaign.

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About Spelman College
Founded in 1881, Spelman College is a leading liberal arts college widely recognized as the global leader in the education of women of African descent. Located in Atlanta, the College’s picturesque campus is home to 2,300 students. Spelman is the country’s leading producer of Black women who complete Ph.Ds. in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).