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Elizabethtown College recently received $3.5 million in gifts and commitments toward diversity and inclusion efforts, cultural and performing arts, and student scholarships.
“We are grateful to our generous donors who have invested in these important areas for our institution,” said Elizabethtown College President Cecilia M. McCormick, J.D. “Their commitment and support will make direct impacts on our student’s academic standing and overall experiences at Etown.”
Joseph A. DePippo, class of 1976, and Nancy DePippo, class of 1979, pledged more than $1 million to support the establishment of a scholarship to benefit U.S. citizens of color who demonstrate financial need. The alumni met at the college before being married. Both represented the institution through integral roles on committees and Nancy DePippo was a Board of Trustee member from 1990 to 1999.
“At Elizabethtown College, our founding principles of social justice, peace, and human dignity have directed us, but our actions will guide us to do better and be better,” McCormick said. “The DePippo’s are true examples of how we hope all our graduates support this critical area we are focused on strengthening at Etown.”
The college also was awarded a grant for $125,000 from the Lancaster County Community Foundation’s BB&T Now Trust Economic Growth Fund to support Pathways to Progress: Promoting Justice, Diversity and Career Building. The grant will support diversity, equity, and inclusion programming and build an alumni network.
In addition, friend of the college Joan Puchaty established a trust exceeding $1.5 million through her estate that is benefitting a family member with a lifetime income, and whose residuum will benefit the college’s cultural and performing arts. During her life, Puchaty was a champion of many cultural and performing arts events at the college.
Alumnus Charles D.A. Wilson, class of 1969, will provide the college with $750,000 to be used to establish the Leading the Way: The Wilson Symposium Fund. The symposium will provide the campus community with enlightening keynote speakers, lectures, films and musical performances. Wilson also established a scholarship with the Harrisburg School District to provide a need-based financial aid scholarship to support a student pursuing a degree at Etown.