At a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the naming of the Rian Fried Center for Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems, President Matthew Derr announced Monday that an anonymous donor has pledged a gift of $1 million to be matched by gifts from trustees, alumni, and friends of Vermont’s college of environmental stewardship.
“This gift will be the largest single act of philanthropy in the history of Sterling College. It comes at a time when the College’s focus on the human relationship with the natural world is of increasingly critical importance to Vermonters and to all global citizens,” said Derr.
In the past two years, Sterling has experienced substantial growth in both enrollment and fundraising. “The College has earned this support through decades of prudent management of its resources and by resolute commitment to its mission,” added Derr.
While Sterling has not yet announced a capital campaign, this new gift and fundraising challenge comes on the heels of an announcement that the College raised $1.7 million in the past fiscal year. This includes several major gifts and grants that helped to name the Rian Fried Center for Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems.
“As a small college, we face many challenges,” said Sydney Flowers ’01, Director of Alumni Relations. “However, the support of our trustees and friends, combined with that of our alumni from over the past sixty years, has made all of the difference. In true Sterling tradition, it is time to roll up our sleeves and match every dollar of this generous gift!”
ABO
UT STERLING COLLEGE
Founded in 1958 in Craftsbury Common, Vermont, Sterling College is a leading voice in higher education for environmental stewardship. The College was among the first colleges in the United States to focus on sustainability through academic majors in Ecology, Environmental Humanities, Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems, and Outdoor Education. Sterling College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and is one of only seven federally recognized Work Colleges in the nation.
Source: Sterling College. September 15, 2014 • Craftsbury Common, Vermont •www.sterlingcollege.edu.