Record-Shattering Philanthropy

Record-Shattering Philanthropy

Alumni, Parents, and Friends Break Ohio Wesleyan's All-Time Record for Philanthropic Support

DELAWARE, Ohio- Alumni, parents, and friends of Ohio Wesleyan University invested $69.4 million in philanthropic initiatives in the last academic year, demonstrating extraordinary generosity and leadership in advancing the OWU community and fueling its bold, innovative vision.

"Our faculty and staff deliver work of the highest caliber. Our alumni, parents, and friends are responding in historic fashion, affirming their confidence in this extraordinary team and rallying behind our rebellion of boldness, kindness, and innovation - our effort to make a national liberal arts education more accessible, affordable, and valuable than ever," President Matt vandenBerg said.

The four largest gifts and commitments comprised two $10 million gifts, each of which matched the previous record gift; a $12 million commitment that temporarily set a new record; and a $20 million gift from John and Kathryn Bradford Milligan - the largest in Ohio Wesleyan's history.

The investment from the California couple, both members of the OWU Class of 1983, is powering the new John F. Milligan Library - the first fine arts-infused main library in American higher education - and advancing the university's bold vision for accessibility, affordability, and innovation in liberal arts education.

"The magnitude of generosity is remarkable, but its significance lies in the impact it unlocks as a true force multiplier for our work," vandenBerg continued. "Every gift and commitment translates into opportunities for students to explore, create, and grow. Every investment reflects confidence in Ohio Wesleyan's vision and in the extraordinary potential of our students to lead boldly, kindly, and with purpose.

"I am grateful to our extraordinary alumni, parents, and friends and to our advancement colleagues for their skill and dedication in facilitating these philanthropic investments."

Set to open in 2027, the Milligan Library will become a vibrant hub for learning and creativity, and will house the university's Department of Fine Arts.

Among other donors to the library project, Michelle Kilkenney, OWU Class of 1999, and her husband, Ryan, invested $2.5 million to help empower the next generation of students.

"I am excited by the work happening at Ohio Wesleyan to increase access for students, to give them the grace needed to find their path as they explore the liberal arts, and to teach them the power skills they need for lifelong success in the rapidly changing workforce and world," said Kilkenney, a partner in the Chicago law firm of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. "Ohio Wesleyan is forging new paths in U.S. higher education, and I want to be a part of that change. I encourage everyone to support this important progress."

Previously, Ohio Wesleyan's largest fiscal year for philanthropy was 2019, when the university received nearly $45.3 million in gifts and pledges.

Learn more about Ohio Wesleyan's higher education rebellion at owu.edu/rebellionand more about supporting Ohio Wesleyan philanthropically at owu.edu/give.

Founded in 1842, Ohio Wesleyan University is one of the nation's premier liberal arts universities. Located in Delaware, Ohio, the private university offers more than 70 undergraduate majors and competes in 24 NCAA Division III varsity sports. Through its signature experience, the OWU Connection, Ohio Wesleyan teaches students to understand issues from multiple academic perspectives, volunteer in service to others, build a diverse and global perspective, and translate classroom knowledge into real-world experience through internships, research, and other hands-on learning. Ohio Wesleyan is featured in the book "Colleges That Change Lives" and included on the U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review "Best Colleges" lists. Connect with OWU expert interview sources at owu.edu/experts or learn more at owu.edu.