W&M announces $10-million initiative to support Gateway program

(Williamsburg, VA) – The Board of Visitors and the College today announced a plan to increase the Gateway William and 玛丽 Endowment to $10 million by year’s end. 作为这项努力的一部分，迈克尔·k·鲍威尔校长宣布董事会成员承诺提供100万美元，这将作为威廉和玛丽社区筹集的资金的一美元对一美元的匹配。

“Two months ago my colleagues on this Board made a promise to the William and 玛丽 family — providing resources that allow the College not merely to sustain its mission, but to thrive,” said Powell, adding that the $1 million represents 100 percent participation in commitments by Board members.

“Chief among our interests is Gateway William and 玛丽. This program requires a substantial commitment of private monies to reach our goal — in six years helping 600 students or 10 percent of the student body with resources from the endowment,” Powell added.

Gateway William and 玛丽 is designed for Virginia students whose household income is $40,000 or less and provides supplemental assistance when other financial aid falls short. Currently there are 175 students at William and 玛丽 who receive Gateway funds.

In addition to the Board of Visitors challenge, Interim President Taylor Reveley announced Friday that the College has also received a bequest gift of more than $5 million from the estate of alumna Joan Jarrett Woods that will go toward the Gateway William and 玛丽 Endowment.

Woods, who received a bachelor’s degree in library science in 1940, left the money in her will to the College to use for its greatest need. Woods, of Illinois, had a long history of providing financial support for underserved students to pursue college. For example, she previously created Project Liftoff, a mentoring program designed to assist students in Logan County, Illinois obtain a college degree. That spirit will continue through Woods’ support of William and 玛丽.

“Mrs. Woods’ belief in affording opportunities for young people to obtain a college degree regardless of circumstances is one echoed by the College,” Reveley said. “We are unwavering in our commitment to the success of Gateway William and 玛丽, which benefits both the College and the Commonwealth. With tremendous support of the Board and the generosity of Mrs. Woods, the College is now well on its way to reaching this important $10 million goal.”

With the additions of the Woods’ bequest and the Board of Visitors’ commitment, the Gateway William and 玛丽 Endowment is approximately $8 million.

“William and 玛丽’s ability to remain competitive depends on programs like Gateway, which broaden our scope and allow the brightest minds to attend regardless of need,” said Powell. “It is indeed a program worth supporting.”

Media Contact: Brian Whitson, Director of News Services, 757.221.7876