VermontBiz Saint Michael’s College has received a $2 million gift from an anonymous donor to support its current-use scholarship initiative, accelerating the College’s efforts to make its education more affordable and accessible.
The gift brings total commitments to this initiative to $7 million as the College closes out the fiscal year.
The latest gift builds upon a series of significant philanthropic investments in student affordability initiatives, including a $1 million commitment from Saint Michael’s alumnus Donald R. “Don” Dion, Jr. ’76 to establish the Catholic School Scholarship, supporting students from Catholic high schools who choose to continue their educational journey at Saint Michael’s College. Together, these gifts are creating new opportunities for students while reinforcing the College’s commitment to access, affordability, and student success.
“This remarkable gift demonstrates the continued confidence our donors have in Saint Michael’s College and our mission,” said Richard Plumb, President of Saint Michael’s College. “At 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.”
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’s goal of significantly increasing current-use scholarship resources over the coming years.
“The response to this initiative has been truly inspiring,” said Ellen Kane, Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Communications at Saint Michael’s College. “Donors understand that scholarship support is one of the most direct and meaningful ways to impact students’ 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’s education provides.
“Reaching $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.”
The initiative also builds on the success of the annual Saint Michael’s 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.
About Saint Michael’s College
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 closely connected community guarantees housing 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 be responsible for themselves, each other, and their world.
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