DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, has announced a $150 million gift from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous and $50 million in matching gifts from other donors in support of the university’s strategic plan.

Three-quarters of the funding will support the university’s endowment. In addition to bolstering initiatives across the institution, the gifts will support all four pillars of the university’s Bold and Gold 2027 strategic plan, which include academic renewal centered on the liberal arts and sciences, a vibrant and exemplary student experience, a commitment to institutional equity, and a focus on financial and operational stewardship.

A principal part of the plan, which was announced in March 2022, is to create a three-school model, which includes strengthening the university’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, as well as dedicating $64 million to the new School of Business and Leadership and the Creative School. Launching in fall 2024, the Creative School will support innovation, collaboration, and multidisciplinary exploration in technology, arts, and media. The recently announced funding builds upon previous gifts of $40 million in support of the strategic plan.

“We are humbled by these gifts and grateful for the confidence they demonstrate in our vision for DePauw,” said university president Lori S. White. “Thanks to support at this scale, we can focus on ensuring that our core academic programs and offerings are extraordinary in every way. We know that our aspirations for DePauw—to be a new model for a liberal arts college for the 21st century—will require further philanthropic support, and this gift—and those it will inspire—are essential to advancing the accomplishments of our incredible community of students, faculty, staff, and alumni in the future.” 

(Photo credit: DePauw University)