Villanova University in Villanova, Pennsylvania, has announced a $20 million gift from Bancel Philanthropies in support of student scholarships. 

The largest gift to fund scholarships in the history of Villanova will fully cover the undergraduate education of a total of 50 students over the next five years. Scholarships will be awarded to students enrolled at Villanova as part of the university’s partnership with the Posse Foundation. Posse Scholars are selected from a pool of academically exceptional students who might otherwise be overlooked through the traditional admissions process, including young leaders from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, racial, and religious backgrounds. 

“On behalf of the entire university, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for this remarkable gift,” said Villanova University president Peter M. Donohue. “Bancel Philanthropies shares our belief in Villanova as a place to educate the next generation of exceptional student leaders who will ignite change in their communities and beyond.” 

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Drazen Zigic)