Washington University in St. Louis has announced an $8 million commitment from alumnus and emeritus trustee Arnold B. Zetcher ('62) and his wife, Ellen, in support of undergraduate student scholarships.

The gift, which includes funds for immediate use as well as funds that will be transferred from the couple's estate at a later date, will establish and endow the Arnold and Ellen Zetcher Scholarship. Open to students with financial need enrolled in any of the university's four undergraduate schools, the scholarship program will help advance the university's efforts to adopt a need-blind admissions policy. 

Longtime supporters of the university, the Zetchers previously established an endowed scholarship at the Olin Business School. In recognition of their most recent gift, the university will rename South 40 House on the Danforth Campus the Arnold and Ellen Zetcher House.

"I don't think I would have had the opportunities that I had in my professional career were it not for my Washington University education," said Zetcher. "That's one of the reasons Ellen and I are so excited about what we're doing with this scholarship — giving talented students the opportunity to have the same kind of educational experience that I had....When we heard about Chancellor Martin's goal for need-blind admissions, we realized that our gift could help make that happen. To be able to play a life-changing role in so many young people's lives is an honor."

(Photo by Jason Elias)