Goucher College in Baltimore has announced a $55 million bequest from the estate of alumna Anica Donnan Rawnsley (’51) in support of student scholarships.

The largest gift in the college’s history will sustain scholarship programs and ensure continued opportunities for Goucher students. The gift includes $50 million to be invested into Goucher’s endowment with the remainder helping to underwrite ongoing initiatives. Goucher’s current endowment stands at approximately $235 million and is ranked in the top 16 percent of private colleges and universities nationwide.

Rawnsley served two eight-year terms as a member of the Goucher College board of trustees and was named a trustee emerita in 1997. She also was the first female trustee at Washington & Jefferson College.

“Equity, inclusivity, and academic excellence have been at the heart of Goucher’s mission since our founding in 1885. This transformational gift will ensure that Goucher can fulfill that mission for decades to come,” said Goucher College president Kent Devereaux. “Ninety-nine percent of current Goucher students receive either financial aid or scholarships of some type. Our graduates go on to serve their communities, perform groundbreaking scientific research, and become civic leaders, entrepreneurs, or creative professionals where they make their mark in the world. Future generations of Goucher students will be able to do that, in part, thanks to the tremendous generosity of Mrs. Rawnsley.”

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