The University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky, has announced a $25 million gift from the O. Wayne Rollins Foundation in support of student scholarships.

The single largest gift in the university’s history will be matched by the university, boosting the total to $50 million to launch the R. Randall Rollins Endowed Scholars Program. The program is expected to benefit 500 on-campus undergraduate students annually, allowing them to graduate with little to no debt.

A longtime supporter of the university, the foundation previously awarded more than $38 million in support of significant campus projects, including the O. Wayne Rollins Athletic Center, Grace Crum Rollins Fine Arts Complex, and the Rollins Family Learning Center.

“At Cumberlands, we believe every student deserves equal access to a quality, affordable education,” said president Larry L. Cockrum. “This transformational gift will have a lasting impact on the lives of our students, allowing them to pursue their dreams without the financial burden that often accompanies higher education.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/fizkes)