Last fall, we were deeply honored and grateful to receive a $30 million gift from an anonymous donor—the largest single commitment in the College’s history. Buoyed by this extraordinary donation, we made the decision to celebrate the College’s 190th anniversary by raising the Brighter Light Campaign goal from $150 million to at least $190 million by September 2024.
Over the past 190 years, our College has been built and fortified through the generosity of others. As early as 1850, we have letters in our archives pointing to President James A. B. Stone’s work to raise philanthropic support for the fledgling institution. While gifts of a sizable nature certainly propel us forward in meeting our strategic aims, donations of all sizes—like those offered on the Day of Gracious Giving, Giving ZooDay or Hornet Athletics Giving Day, or those contributed to an existing endowed fund—are like a steady beat within the heart of K, helping to enhance the K experience for every student, year after year, generation after generation.
As we look to the future of K, we want to preserve those experiences that are an important part of the Kalamazoo College education: depth and breadth of academic study, study abroad, civic engagement, career exploration, and leadership development through co-curricular activities like athletics, the arts and student organizations. We also seek to meet the needs of future generations by providing a welcoming and updated residential system, critical support systems like enhanced pre-orientation programming and mental health resources, and an ever-evolving interdisciplinary approach to learning. We know that these experiences will help graduates have successful professional lives as well as tackle complex societal issues—such as climate change and environmental sustainability, healthcare access and outcomes, and equity and inclusion.
Someone recently shared a quote with me by the author Mary Anne Radmacher: “As we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own way.” The Brighter Light Campaign is creating light for our students, who, as alumni, will work to create a brighter world. What a gift for us all.
Saludos and lux esto,
Jorge G. Gonzalez
President
