To date, the campaign has raised more than $36 million toward its $40 million goal.

With generous gifts from a dedicated Blue Jay network of alumni, families, friends, employees, and students, Elizabethtown College is closing in on the $40 million goal of Build Brighter Futures: The Scholarship Campaign for Etown Students, the most significant scholarship fundraising effort in the institution’s history. To date, the campaign has raised more than $36 million.

“The exceptional generosity of our Blue Jay community has brought us within reach of a historic milestone,” Elizabethtown College President Betty Rider said. “Every dollar contributed through this campaign represents an investment in our students’ futures and in the mission of our College. While we celebrate how far we’ve come together, our work is not finished. With continued momentum, we can ensure even more Blue Jays have access to the transformative learning experiences that define an Etown education.”

Since the public launch of the campaign in April 2025, generous contributions have led to new endowed, annual, and estate legacy scholarships and high-impact learning funds, supporting students in reaching their full potential and making an Etown education accessible for generations to come. 

Since its launch, the campaign has been driven by a variety of initiatives and generous contributions, including:

  • Earlier this year, as part of the Build Brighter Futures campaign, Etown launched a new Million Dollar Match to create 20 new $50,000 Signature Learning Experience (SLE) funds. Through a generous $500,000 challenge fund provided by donors, the initiative doubles new $25,000 SLE commitments, dollar for dollar, generating $1 million in new funding that will expand access to transformative learning opportunities. To date, 11 commitments have already been secured, bringing the initiative more than halfway toward its goal. Discover how you can double your impact today at etown.edu.
  • Etown’s community came together on March 24 for a record-setting Power of One Day, the College’s annual 24-hour day of giving. The outpouring of generosity led to 2,400 donors helping raise an incredible $813,059 — the highest totals in Power of One Day history — supporting all areas of campus, including academic departments, athletics, and student programs. Nearly 200 donors directed more than $230,000 to scholarships, providing critical financial support that helps make an Etown education possible.
  • Lead donors provided a strong foundation by contributing $27 million in early support. Among them, alumnus Bob ’74 and Karen Rigg helped launch the campaign with a transformative commitment, which established the Robert ’74 and Karen Rigg Chester County Futures Scholarship and ensured funding for multiple students each year.

The Foundation for a Brighter Future

Blue Jays thrive through meaningful experiences and strong support, rooted in a student-centered education that delivers transformative outcomes in both career and life. These experiences align with the national Big 6 model for success, where Etown graduates consistently outperform national benchmarks. While only 3% of graduates nationwide report experiencing all six Big 6 factors, approximately 42%of Etown graduates do — more than 14 times the national average.

Growing Etown’s endowment, especially through endowed scholarship support of all kinds, will make a college education accessible and impactful for the next generation. Permanent funding is also key to the College’s future. Scholarships provide crucial financial support and create lasting legacies honoring mentors, loved ones, or achievements.

Beyond making an Etown education more accessible, scholarship support enables students to pursue transformative experiences such as study abroad, faculty-led research, and internships that build skills, broaden perspectives, and open doors to future careers.

Scholarships in Action

“My scholarships have given me the means to pursue my studies, my passion for basketball, and engage in self-discovery at a school that feels like home,” Biology major Cadence Anderson ’28 said. Read more about Cadence’s Etown experience.

“Establishing this scholarship was an opportunity to give back and provide an opportunity for future students to attend Etown. I always felt that many people took a chance on me or gave me an opportunity to succeed. Creating a scholarship with others who had a similar vision, desire, and experience opened the door to work collaboratively to provide a small scholarship for future students,” Todd Eicker ’95, who led fundraising efforts to establish the Western Pennsylvania Educational Opportunities Scholarship, said. Read more about what inspired Todd to give back. 

“The scholarship I received has had a significant impact on my time and experiences at Elizabethtown College. That encouragement has motivated me to stay committed to my goals, work hard in my courses, and give back to the campus community,” Finance major Max Lauver ’26 said. Read more about how scholarships are helping Max achieve his goals.

Every Gift Makes a Difference

Supporting scholarships at Etown ensures future Blue Jays thrive in our relationship-rich environment, advancing Etown’s mission to educate compassionate leaders and changemakers. Build a brighter future by creating a scholarship or high-impact learning fund. Contact Institutional Advancement at ia@etown.edu or 800-877-9658 to learn more or create a scholarship today.