10-17-2023 4:14am

GOUCHER GRAD GIFTS

Historic donation of $50 million to Washington & Jefferson College will create need-based scholarships

By MADDIE AIKEN, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

A record-breaking donation to Washington & Jefferson College will allow the Washington County school to bolster its financial aid opportunities for regional students.

The estate of late trustee Anica Donnan Rawnsley donated $50 million — the largest gift that the private liberal arts college has ever received. That money will provide need-based scholarships for students in the Washington County region who enroll at W&J, school officials announced Wednesday.

The college will detail the award timeline and criteria for a scholarship eligibility at a later date.

It’s apt that Ms. Rawnsley’s estate would offer this gift, as school officials say she was a staunch supporter of the college throughout her lifetime. She believed in “the life-changing power of education,” W&J President John C. Knapp said in a news release.

“She had a bold vision to make it possible for future generations to afford and benefit from a W&J education,” Mr. Knapp said.

Ms. Rawnsley became the college’s first female trustee in 1975, serving in that role for a dozen years. In 2003, she received an honorary doctor of public service degree from W&J for years of community leadership and service.

Anica Donnan Rawnsley receives an honorary doctorate from W&J in 2003.(Courtesy of Washington & Jefferson College)

The late trustee grew up in Washington County, but didn’t attend W&J, an all-male school until 1970. Her father, stepfather and grandfathers all graduated from W&J. She graduated from Goucher College FINISH READING HERE