Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois, has announced a gift of a 780-acre farm in Mercer County worth nearly $12 million.

The bequeathed property from the estate of longtime supporter and alumnus Marilyn Johnston (‘48) will become part of the college’s investments, nearly doubling the size of its farmland holdings, both in acreage and value. With the Johnston farm, Monmouth now holds five working farms in its investment portfolio. The gift also will expand the college’s endowment and investments, which are used to support areas such as scholarships and academic programs.

“The Monmouth College community is deeply grateful for Marilyn’s extraordinary generosity and dedication to the college,” said Monmouth College president Clarence Wyatt. “Maintaining this gift as working farmland will honor Marilyn’s legacy and further highlights the college’s role in serving our region.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/SimonSkafar)