Spelman College, a historically Black college for women in Atlanta, Georgia, has announced a historic $100 million donation from businesswoman and philanthropist Ronda Stryker and her husband, William Johnston. The donation is the largest single gift ever made to an HBCU.
Stryker, a Spelman College trustee since 1997, has long been a champion of women’s education and empowerment. She has worked for decades to advance opportunities for women and other marginalized groups.
“This gift is a testament to Ronda’s and Bill’s deep commitment to Spelman College and its mission of educating and empowering women,” said Mary Schmidt Campbell, president of Spelman College. “Their generosity will have a transformative impact on our students and our institution for generations to come.”
The $100 million donation will be used to support a number of initiatives at Spelman College, including:
- Endowing scholarships: $75 million of the donation will be used to endow scholarships for future students, helping Spelman College continue to attract the best and brightest students from around the world.
- Developing an academic focus on public policy and democracy: $25 million of the donation will be used to develop an academic focus on public policy and democracy, preparing students to be effective leaders in their communities and the world.
- Improving student housing: The donation will also be used to improve student housing at Spelman College, creating a more comfortable and welcoming environment for students.
- Providing flexible funding: The remaining funds will be used to provide flexible funding to meet the critical strategic needs of the college.
“We are honored to make this gift to Spelman College,” said Stryker. “Spelman is a special place with a long and proud history of educating and empowering women. We believe in the college’s mission and are confident that this gift will help Spelman continue to thrive for many years to come.”
The $100 million donation is a major boost for Spelman College, which is celebrating its 140th anniversary this year. The college has a long history of producing successful graduates, including civil rights leader Alice Walker, poet Maya Angelou, and former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
“This gift is a game-changer for Spelman College,” said Campbell. “It will allow us to invest in our students, our faculty, and our programs in a way that has never been possible before. We are incredibly grateful to Ronda and Bill for their generosity.”
The donation from Stryker and Johnston is the latest in a series of large gifts that Spelman College has received in recent years. In 2020, the college received a $50 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. In 2019, it received a $25 million donation from the Kendeda Fund.
These gifts reflect the growing support for HBCUs, which have been historically underfunded. In recent years, there has been a renewed focus on supporting HBCUs, which play a vital role in educating African American students.
The $100 million donation from Stryker and Johnston is a major milestone for Spelman College. It will allow the college to continue its mission of educating and empowering women for generations to come.
