It was another outstanding year of giving at the University of Lynchburg, with contributions to the University totaling $8.1 million for Fiscal Year 2023. The numbers topped last year’s $7.7 million, continuing a strong upward trend spanning four years.
“We are incredibly grateful to our alumni and friends who step up each year to support the student experience at the University of Lynchburg,” said Vice President for Advancement Dr. Mike Bonnette. “The wonderful team in advancement is fortunate to engage with so many generous donors, and every single one is helping us change the world.”
President Dr. Alison Morrison-Shetlar reported the good news to faculty and staff at the annual Opening Breakfast on Aug. 9. “Advancement has done a tremendous job partnering with so many on campus to move us forward,” she said.
The University’s fundraising priorities for FY23 included scholarships, programmatic support, and capital improvements.
Among the highlights was a gift of $100,000 from former trustee Charles “Chuck” P. Collings ’73 and his wife, Elizabeth “Liz” S. Collings to establish the Men’s Soccer Endowment.
The year also featured substantial gifts to existing endowments created by University trustees, specifically to support students with financial need.
One of them is the Patricia Kinney Doyle Scholarship, which was created by trustee Julie Doyle in memory of her mother-in-law, Patricia Kinney Doyle ’80 MEd, an English professor at Lynchburg from 1979-91.
Trustee Mike Allen and his wife, Maureen, established another one, the Allen Family Scholarship, in 2021. Their daughter Marisa received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Lynchburg.
The Dr. William McCaddin Pritchett ’38 Memorial Scholarship was established by John Pritchett in memory of his father, “Mac,” who studied social sciences at Lynchburg from 1934-38.
The Lynchburg Life Saving Crew Graduate Scholarship was established with an initial gift of $50,000 to support graduate students pursuing a degree in PA medicine or athletic training.
Other academic scholarships include the Dr. Orville Keith Hamilton Scholarship, which was established by Betty May Kovacs Hamilton ’56 in memory of her husband, a 1958 graduate.
Funded by a $100,000 gift from Betty May, the scholarship is intended for undergraduates who demonstrate financial need and academic promise, preferably from Delaware, and who have declared an intent to pursue a medical profession. It may also be awarded to graduate students enrolled in the College of Medical Science who demonstrate financial need and academic promise.
The Kenneth Lee Hall Scholarship was established by the estate of Dianne Hall ’87 in memory of her brother. Funded by a bequest of more than $60,000, it’s intended for students pursuing a PA Medicine degree or Access students with demonstrated financial need.
Programmatic support was equally strong in FY23. The University secured a three-year Enrichment Grant from the Bonner Foundation that will provide $40,000 annually, and an endowment supporting the men’s lacrosse program was established. Overall, more than $1.3 million was secured in grant funding across campus.
Donor support also funded several facilities upgrades. Significant progress was made on upgrades to the softball facilities at Moon Field, thanks to support from trustee Gillian Stoettner ’91 and alumni, parents, and friends.
A seed gift from Dr. Charles R. Chandler and his wife, Vickie, let the equestrian team open a new covered arena at its Rustburg facility, making way for hosting competitions for intercollegiate athletics and the community.
Finally, the Hobbs-Sigler Science Hall lobby and corridor were completely transformed into a more welcoming and student-friendly space, thanks to many donors.
The University far surpassed its goal of 1,200 donors for GiveDay on April 18 and counted more new donors than on any other previous GiveDay over the past three years. About 600 alumni and more than 200 current parents gave, and the University raised just over $250,000.
Last fall, Lynchburg welcomed more than 1,500 attendees during Homecoming 2022. Homecoming and Parents and Family Weekend 2023 is scheduled for Oct. 20-22.
Give today to make a difference in the life of a Lynchburg student, program, or initiative.