McPherson College in McPherson, Kansas, has announced a $25 million gift from Melanie and Richard Lundquist.

The largest gift in the college’s 135-year history is the largest gift made by the Lundquists outside their native California. Co-founders of Continental Development Corporation, an El Segundo, California-based real estate company, the couple joined the Giving Pledge in 2018.

According to the college, the school has seen a 300 percent increase in applications and a 40 percent increase in enrollment since 2009. With the gift, the college has exceeded its $50 million fundraising goal to fund campus infrastructure, academic, and financial aid programs. The Lundquists previously supported the school’s automotive restoration program, including a $1 million gift in 2019.

“We are…hoping this gift spurs more support of well-run small liberal arts colleges in the U.S.,” said Richard Lundquist, who will become a trustee of the college.

“This gift will help put our…strategic plan on a new trajectory ensuring the new campus commons is built and strengthening the college’s academic programs as well as support the student debt project, which enables students to graduate debt-free,” said McPherson College president Michael Schneider. “The impact of the Lundquists’ gift and friendship is truly immeasurable.”