Over $7.1 million was raised this fiscal year, surpassing the fiscal year goal and achieving 101.8% of the College’s overall goal. The Whittier Now! Campaign alone exceeded its $4 million annual target by 15%, raising $4.6 million. Major gift fundraising exceeded 116% of the goal, strengthening Whittier’s ability to secure transformational gifts.
“These results are more than numerical wins,” said Vice President of Development Delite Travis. “They reflect increasing alumni and donor confidence, renewed institutional momentum, and a heartfelt commitment for Whittier College and its future. Alumni and donors are stepping up to ensure that future generations of students have access to a transformative education. This achievement positions Whittier to advance its mission and to fulfill the goals of its short-range strategic plan.”
Highlights this fiscal year include giving at all levels, support to the Whittier Fund, and $700,000 from the Fletcher Jones Foundation for the new Whittier Works initiative. However, it’s important to recognize individuals like the 1,501 alumni donors, one of the 446 new donors, or those who gave during Big Poet Give, too.
“Because of your heartfelt commitment, Whittier College is stronger, and our students are thriving. Thank you to everyone in our community who gave so generously and believed in our mission,” Travis said.
Jennifer A. (Mason) Waltzer '80 regularly donates to the Whittier Fund to back experiential learning and other student programming. The Palmer Society member and CPA used to work in nonprofits and understands how hard it can be to keep the lights on.
“People will give you money to build something,” Waltzer said. “They'll give you money that they can put their name on, yet they will not give you money to pay the electric bill.”
Sue Hodson '71, former curator of literary collections at The Huntington Library, likewise understands the importance of general funds. Born at Murphy Memorial Hospital, which later became the Murphy Hall dormitory, she can trace her connection to the College in her career. She said Dr. Gilbert McEwen suggested that she try for a job at The Huntington when there were few or no teaching jobs available. Hodson started as a page, received promotions, and, after attaining the needed professional academic training, became a curator, staying on for more than 30 years.
"Whittier is simply a wonderful liberal arts college," Hodson said. "I really flourished and thrived at Whittier and developed in ways I don't think I could have at a large public institution. I felt that I had a lot of direct relationships with faculty and staff. I brought to bear everything I learned at Whittier. I was glad I had that education."
While the Whittier Fund represents the College’s greatest area of need, there are other endeavors worth supporting. David E. '77 and Kathryn Ann (Gould) Nolte '77 contributed to the new McBride Scholarship for International Relations and Public Service out of respect for beloved retired professor Mike McBride and in appreciation for his mentorship.
“Our education at Whittier helped us learn quickly about a broad range of disciplines, which has served us well professionally when dealing with an even broader range of clients with different business models and in different industries,” David Nolte said.
Supporters like Austin Major '84 have contributed more than $800,000 to help the football program relaunch. The former offensive guard and current businessman likens one’s experience in sports to the ability to execute tasks and lead people and projects in business.
“It's probably an overused analogy, but I hold it to a large part of my success to having been able to play team sports at a higher level,” Major said.
Like Hodson, he credits Whittier with paving the way for his achievements. He chose Whittier based on a recommendation from a former coach and alumnus, and he found his job at technology manufacturing company Parker Hannifin, where he’s been for 41 years, with help from the alumni office.
“I look at it as almost like a responsibility to give back so that other kids can find success in life as well.”
To help Whittier College continue its mission of investment in scholars, donate to Whittier.edu/giving or email development@whittier.edu.
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