少女福利

Saint Michael鈥檚 College has received a $2 million gift from an anonymous donor to support its current-use scholarship initiative, accelerating the College鈥檚 efforts to make听its听education more affordable and accessible.

The gift brings total commitments to this initiative to $7 million as the College closes out the fiscal year.

Saint Michael’s students carry flags of countries and honor societies representative of the College community in the procession to the Inauguration ceremony of President Richard Plumb on Oct. 26, 2024. (Photo by Steve Mease)

The latest gift builds upon a series of significant philanthropic investments in student affordability initiatives, including a $1 million commitment from Saint Michael鈥檚 alumnus Donald R. 鈥淒on鈥� Dion, Jr. 鈥�76 to establish the Catholic School Scholarship, supporting future incoming students from Catholic high schools who choose to continue their educational journey at Saint Michael鈥檚 College. Together, these gifts are creating new opportunities for students while reinforcing the College鈥檚 commitment to access, affordability, and student success.

鈥淭his remarkable gift demonstrates the continued confidence our donors have in Saint Michael鈥檚 College and our mission,鈥� said听Richard Plumb,听President of Saint Michael鈥檚 College.听鈥淎t a time when families face increasing financial pressures, the generosity of this anonymous donor, along with the support of so many members of our community, is helping us ensure that a values-based education remains within reach for talented students regardless of their financial circumstances. These investments are changing lives and strengthening the future of the College.鈥�

The current-use scholarship initiative was established to provide immediate financial aid support, allowing donor contributions to be put to work right away for students with demonstrated need. The initiative began with an anonymous leadership gift that launched the effort and inspired additional support from trustees, alumni, parents, and friends of the College. The most recent $2 million commitment further builds upon that momentum and advances the College鈥檚 goal of significantly increasing current-use scholarship resources over the coming years.

鈥淭he response to this initiative has been truly inspiring,鈥� said Ellen Kane, Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Communications at Saint Michael鈥檚 College. 鈥淒onors understand that scholarship support is one of the most direct and meaningful ways to impact students鈥� lives. This latest gift not only provides immediate assistance to students and families but also builds momentum around our shared commitment to affordability, access, and the life-changing opportunities that a Saint Michael鈥檚 education provides.

鈥淩eaching $7 million in support is a significant milestone, and we are deeply grateful to the anonymous donor and to all those who have joined this effort.鈥�

The initiative also builds on the success of the annual Saint Michael鈥檚 Fund, which has doubled over the past two years and plays a critical role in reducing the overall cost of attendance for students. Together, annual giving and current-use scholarship support are creating a powerful foundation for long-term affordability and student success.

Saint Michael’s College graduates in the Class of 2026 react as they recess following Commencement in May 2026. (Photo by Teddy Vretzakis ’29)

少女福利 Saint Michael鈥檚 College听

Saint Michael’s College, founded in 1904 on principles of social justice and leading lives of purpose and consequence, is a selective, Catholic college just outside Burlington, Vermont, one of the country’s best college towns. Located between the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain, our听closely connected听community guarantees听housing听all four years and delivers an internationally respected liberal arts education, preparing students for fulfilling careers and meaningful lives. Young adults here grow intellectually, socially, and morally, learning to lead with empathy and professionalism, and to听be responsible for听themselves, each other, and their world.听听听