When philanthropist MacKenzie Scott selects an institution for one of her transformative gifts, the national higher education and philanthropic community pays attention. When she selects that institution twice, it signals something even more extraordinary.
This fall, Whittier College received a historic, unrestricted $13 million investment from Scott, representing the largest single donation in the College’s history and the second major gift she has directed to Whittier. The first, a $12 million contribution in 2020, recognized Whittier’s potential. This second gift affirms something far more powerful: Whittier’s momentum is real, measurable, and nationally significant.
MacKenzie Scott has only made 15 reported second gifts to colleges and universities, with many of these being part of a recent, large donation to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in November 2025. Whittier College is now part of that rare group of second gift recipients.
A College on the Rise: Momentum Confirmed
Scott’s renewed investment arrives at a moment of unmistakable vitality for Whittier College. Under the leadership of President Kristine E. Dillon ’73, Ph.D., the institution has entered a new era of positive growth:
In a time when many colleges are facing declining applications and uncertain futures, Whittier’s resurgence is bucking national trends.
“MacKenzie Scott’s historic investment is an exceptional affirmation of who we are and what we stand for,” said President Dillon.” She is placing her trust, once again, in Whittier College because our momentum is real, our mission is working, and our students are proving what access and opportunity can achieve.
Board of Trustees Chair Ron Gastelum ’68 echoed this sentiment: “Ms. Scott’s investment is a powerful affirmation of President Dillon’s leadership, of the combined power of the entire College community, and of the direction Whittier is heading.”
MacKenzie Scott directs her philanthropy toward institutions that successfully educate students from chronically underserved communities. Whittier College fits squarely within this mission and delivers exceptional outcomes.
“It’s incredible to know that people are paying attention to what is happening here,” said Vice President of Development Delite Travis. “For Ms. Scott to make a second unrestricted commitment of this magnitude signals her belief in our mission, our students, and the strategic direction of this institution.”
A Proven Engine of Social Mobility
MacKenzie Scott’s philanthropy is guided by a deep personal understanding of how fragile educational opportunity can be—and how transformative it becomes when supported at the right moment. In a recent essay, she shared that as a sophomore in college she nearly dropped out because she could not pay her tuition. Salvation came not through a major grant, but through the compassion of a roommate who noticed her distress and quietly loaned her $1,000.
That act of “grace,” as Scott describes it, kept her enrolled. It allowed her to study under Nobel laureate Toni Morrison, setting her on a path that would shape her life, her worldview, and ultimately her philanthropy. It is why, in 2019, she signed the Giving Pledge, committing to share her wealth until, in her words, “the safe is empty.”
Since signing the Giving Pledge, Scott has intentionally focused her philanthropy on higher education institutions that serve students from historically marginalized communities, particularly HBCUs and HSIs.
In a recent op-ed in The Hechinger Report, President Dillon echoed Scott’s belief in expanding access to students who have been overlooked or underserved by traditional higher education systems. “Higher education is a bridge. To cross it and achieve their full potential, students from all walks of life must have access to the support and resources colleges provide,” writes Dillon. “Let’s build a system…that opens doors instead of slamming them shut. Let’s recommit to higher education as a public good.”
The $13 million gift will accelerate one of Whittier’s most important initiatives: Whittier Works, the College’s signature integration of liberal arts education with career preparation.
Whittier Works connects coursework with hands-on opportunities—from internships to community-engaged learning—to ensure Poets graduate with both deep intellectual grounding and practical, real-world experience.
Together, these investments ensure that Whittier’s promise is not just about opening doors, but about ensuring students walk through them ready to lead with the skills they have learned through a personalized, experiential education.
This historic investment signals to alumni, supporters, families, and the higher education community that Whittier College is a school on the move. Philanthropists and community leaders are taking notice of the powerful impact a Whittier education is having on today’s students. They’re not just applauding from the sidelines, they’re stepping in, investing boldly, and helping accelerate the momentum our students are creating every day.
“Whittier College is demonstrating to our supporters that now is the time to join in supporting the College and we thank Ms. Scott for recognizing the power of a Whittier education,” said Travis.
