A historic gesture of support for education and empowerment

In an unprecedented act of philanthropy, Spelman College, an esteemed historically Black women’s college in Atlanta, has received a monumental $100 million donation from Kalamazoo billionaire Ronda Stryker and her husband, William Johnston. This extraordinary contribution, marking the largest single donation ever to a historically black college or university, underscores the couple's enduring commitment to education and the empowerment of marginalized communities.

This generous donation from Stryker, a long-time trustee of Spelman College since 1997, comes as the college celebrates 100 years since its official naming. The gift's significant portion, $75 million, will be dedicated to endowing scholarships, an initiative aimed at attracting the best and brightest students and eliminating financial barriers to education. The remaining $25 million will bolster Spelman's academic focus on public policy and democracy, enhance student housing, and address other strategic needs. Spelman College President Dr. Helene Gayle lauded the donation as "a critical step in our school’s mission to eliminate financial barriers to starting and finishing a Spelman education"​​.

Stryker's philanthropic journey is notable not only for its scale but also for its focus on long-term impact. The Stryker and Johnston couple's history of generosity includes a previous $100 million gift to the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, named after Stryker’s grandfather, and significant donations to the Foundation for Excellence in Kalamazoo. Their sustained support extends beyond financial contributions, as Stryker has actively worked to empower women through higher education and uplift marginalized groups for decades​​​​.

The donation comes at a time when historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are witnessing increased financial support, a trend partly spurred by the racial justice movements and a growing recognition of the value and need for such institutions. Spelman College, known for being a leading producer of Black women who complete Ph.D.s in STEM fields, represents the pinnacle of educational excellence and empowerment. The donation not only solidifies Spelman's position but also sends a powerful message about the worthiness of investing in HBCUs and their critical role in shaping future leaders​​.

This donation is more than a financial boost; it's a landmark statement about the importance of education, empowerment, and the role of HBCUs in nurturing leaders who will shape the future. The Stryker-Johnston donation to Spelman College stands as a beacon of hope and a model for others to follow in supporting institutions that drive change and foster societal growth.