Gilmour Academy, an independent, Catholic, co-ed, day and residential preK-12 school in Gates Mills, Ohio, has announced a $28 million commitment from the Howley Foundation.

The restricted gift will support annual scholarships for 48 students in grades 7-12. While the Howley Foundation has been providing scholarships at Gilmour since 2005, the latest gift represents a nearly five-fold increase in the Howley Scholars Program at Gilmour, expanding the number of scholars from 11 enrolled in 2021-22 to 48 each year by 2026.

In addition, the gift will provide for a variety of capital needs at Gilmour, including renovation and expansion of the student commons and dining hall and the restoration of Tudor House and Tudor Gardens. The new student commons will serve as the campus dining hall and more than double the seating capacity to accommodate Gilmour’s current student body and the faculty and staff of both the lower and upper schools, as well as allow for future increases in enrollment.

“Education is one of the most important catalysts in promoting positive change in individuals and society as a whole,” said Nick Howley III, co-founder of the foundation and a former member of the school’s board of directors. “Our foundation’s goals align well with Gilmour’s mission of providing a strong academic foundation and significant character formation to students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. We know firsthand the impact a Gilmour education can have, as our children, Michael and Meg, are both graduates.” 

(Photo credit: Gilmour Academy)