Valparaiso University Receives Historic $15 Million Gift for Student Scholarships

Valparaiso University has received a landmark $15 million deferred gift commitment from anonymous donors to establish an endowed fund for student scholarships. The commitment is the single largest gift for student scholarships in Valpo’s 161-year history and among the largest gifts to Forever Valpo: The Campaign for Our Future.

“The impact of this overwhelming generosity on future generations of students will be immeasurable, and for that we shall all be forever grateful,” said Valparaiso University President Mark A. Heckler, Ph.D. “These donors embody the true spirit of philanthropy in that they are motivated solely by their desire to give back and providing opportunities that will change students’ lives. Unselfishly, they will provide countless students, students whom they will never meet, with a chance to achieve their dreams through an extraordinary Valpo experience.”

Each year, the selected students will be part of a cohort and carry the distinction of being scholars named in honor of the donors. The cohorts will also be supported by a dedicated advisor from the Valpo faculty who will provide guidance to these students as they advance through and complete their Valpo education. The application process will be determined in the future, and prior to availability of scholarship funds.

“The donors have requested to remain anonymous at this time,” President Heckler said. “I can share that they are longtime friends of Valpo, they love the University and they are deeply committed to our mission and to changing the lives of young people through education. Both my wife and I have been blessed by coming to know them over the years and learning about the things that are important to them — helping others, treating people with respect and embracing civility across our differences. Their values lie at the core of what makes Valpo so unique.”

This deferred gift commitment supports Forever Valpo: The Campaign for Our Future, a $250 million endowment campaign that is securing permanent resources for student scholarships, faculty development and programs that prepare students for lives of leadership, service and generosity. Forever Valpo was officially launched on Sept. 23, 2016, and has raised more than $238 million.