Thanks to the generosity of the alumnae, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of Wilson College, we are excited to announce the total amount raised in the We Rise campaign was approximately $21.75 million.
In May 2022, the Wilson College Board of Trustees authorized a bold and necessary step forward—a fundraising campaign not of lofty aspirations, but one grounded in need. The result was the launch of the We Rise: United for Wilson’s Future campaign, a transformative fundraising effort designed to secure Wilson’s foundation and ensure its future.
While many institutions dream of new buildings or doubling their endowments, Wilson’s leadership recognized a more pressing reality: before reaching for the stars, the College needed to reinforce the ground beneath its feet. The initiative aimed to help the College recover from the challenges of the pandemic and adapt to the rapidly changing higher education environment.
“The strategic work of our dedicated faculty, staff, and administration has positioned Wilson well to weather the headwinds of higher education. However, to be successful, the Trustees recognized additional funding was critical, to stabilize current operations as well as provide the College the bandwidth to expand curricula, attract and retain talented students, faculty, and staff, and ensure a Wilson education remains affordable and accessible,” said Jennifer Nickle Banzhof ’94, chair of the Wilson College Board of Trustees and member of the We Rise campaign committee.
The campaign began in 2022 with a silent phase—quiet but full of determination. Momentum built quickly, and by the time of its public launch during Reunion 2023, $12.1 million was already secure in cash and pledges toward the announced $16 million campaign goal.
A few months later, contributions surpassed $18 million, prompting the Board of Trustees to raise the goal to $20 million. This remarkable momentum reflects the deep commitment and belief the Wilson community holds in the College’s mission and future.
Trustee Emerita and former chair of the Board of Trustees Robin J. Bernstein H’23, Esq., signed on early to help lead We Rise as vice-chair of the campaign. She, along with other dedicated volunteers, gave countless hours to help steer this important initiative. Bernstein said, “Wilson continues to be an amazing place that changes lives. In these tumultuous times for the world and in higher education, we must continue to do what we can to support Wilson and prepare her for the future.”
The We Rise campaign focused on several key priorities, including:
- Scholarships
- Growth Initiatives
- Faculty and Staff Support
- Debt Reduction
- Wilson Fund & Unrestricted Giving
This campaign was a heartfelt hope for Wilson’s future, rooted in the enduring spirit of innovation and resilience that has defined the institution since its founding. It aligned with the goals of Future Wilson: The Phoenix Rises, the College’s five-year strategic plan, and aimed to secure a sustainable foundation for transformational education.
What made We Rise truly special was the breadth of support—from young alumni making their first $1,000 gifts to longtime trustees doubling their commitments. In a time when many small colleges were facing existential threats, Wilson was rising.
President Wesley Fugate, Ph.D., captured the spirit of this campaign when he said, “This is our time—to steady this College, to rise above the noise, to prove that Wilson doesn’t just survive… she endures, she inspires, and she transforms.”
“It is so exciting that the alumnae and alumni across the decades, along with friends of the College, answered the president’s call with great enthusiasm and rallied around the We Rise campaign,” said Margaret Hamilton Duprey, Wilson College Board of Trustee and co-chair of the campaign.
Lisbeth Sheppard Luka ’69, M.Ed., also a campaign co-chair and Trustee Emerita, could not agree more. “Under the president’s visionary leadership, the College has developed tremendous momentum. Donors are excited about all the great things happening at Wilson and so have stepped up with their financial support,” said Luka.
To honor this collective effort, a donor recognition display will be installed later this fall on the ground floor of John Stewart Memorial Library to celebrate those who helped make the campaign such a resounding success.
As we close both the We Rise Campaign and the Future Wilson: The Phoenix Rises strategic plan, one truth remains: Wilson’s story is one of determination, transformation, and rising to meet every challenge.
Scholarships
Annually, Wilson students receive a total of approximately $18.4 million in aid. This aid comes from a number of sources including the federal government, state government, and the College itself. Unfortunately, the need for financial aid for our students far outweighs this funding. The We Rise campaign sought to help bridge this critical gap, ensuring access and affordability of a Wilson education.
As President Fugate says, “Wilson students are not the privileged few, they are the promising many.” Over 42% are Pell Grant-eligible, and nearly one-third are first-generation college students. That’s what makes Wilson’s mission so outstanding: when we change the life of a Wilson student today, we uplift generations to come. Affordability has long been a cornerstone of Wilson’s commitment. In fact, tuition, room, and board today are lower than they were for the 2011–2012 academic year. The College has raised tuition only three times in the past 15 years—a rare and deliberate choice that reflects our dedication to keeping education within reach.
Thanks to generous donations, Wilson offers merit and need-based financial aid that makes a private education as affordable as a public one. After aid, Wilson students pay $2,312 less per year than those at a nearby public university—despite that institution receiving tens of millions in public funding.
Growth Initiatives
With pandemic relief funding gone and fewer students available to recruit, colleges face intense financial pressure. Closures and mergers are accelerating. In this environment, agility, strategy, and a relentless focus on student success are no longer optional, they are essential.
To address this, Wilson invested in growth and innovation. In spring 2023, Wilson College launched Wilson College Online, a bold expansion of its fully online academic offerings. This strategic move was designed to recapture adult learner enrollment lost during the pandemic and extend Wilson’s reach far beyond its traditional campus.
The pandemic revealed a vital truth: adult learners need flexibility. Balancing work, family, and personal responsibilities, they seek high-quality, asynchronous education they can pursue from home. Wilson responded swiftly—within a year, nearly 200 courses were transitioned online, resulting in 13 undergraduate and 7 graduate programs now fully available in a digital format.
But this transformation went far beyond academics. Wilson reimagined the entire student experience—from marketing and recruitment to advising, tech support, library access, and mental health services—to meet the needs of today’s online learners. Today, 464 students are enrolled through Wilson College Online as of the 2025 Fall 1 Census. Students are already joining from as far away as California, and we expect enrollment to grow significantly moving forward.
While this is a strong start, Wilson’s goal is ambitious: 1,000+ online students, a milestone that will bring scale, efficiency, and sustainable revenue to support the College’s mission. They represent a meaningful and growing stream that fuels Wilson’s future.
Looking ahead, Wilson is responding to urgent national workforce shortages in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology by developing a new suite of hybrid, accelerated graduate healthcare
programs. These programs are designed for maximum accessibility and transformational growth.
- Doctor of Physical Therapy and Doctor of Occupational Therapy: completed in two years (vs. the traditional three).
- Master of Speech-Language Pathology: completed in 15 months (vs. the typical two years).
Students will complete their first-year coursework online, with periodic intensive lab sessions held in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, a location chosen for its accessibility via major transportation hubs. In the second year, students will complete clinical rotations close to home, making the program both convenient and high-quality. This innovative model, which is already successful at other institutions, supports strong outcomes in learning, job placement, and recruitment of diverse and rural students.
The Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program has applied for accreditation and has been granted Candidacy Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Wilson is currently accepting students into the first OTD cohort that will begin classes in January 2026. Pending accreditation, the Physical Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology programs will launch in August 2027.
A dedicated leadership team is already in place, committed to embedding Wilson’s values into every aspect of these programs. At full capacity, these programs are expected to serve hundreds of new students and millions in net annual revenue—bringing a new era of financial sustainability and educational impact to the College.
Additionally, some Wilson programs are receiving national recognition, like the Master of Educational Technology program which was ranked among the top ten programs in the country by both Forbes and TechGuide. These accolades affirm what we already know: Wilson is rising to meet the evolving needs of today’s learners.
And, at Wilson, we also know education extends far beyond academics. Today’s students choose colleges not only for their majors, but for the co-curricular and extracurricular opportunities that shape their personal growth and passions.
Arts & Performance
- In graphic design, a new faculty member is expanding the curriculum with fresh concentrations in web and digital design, supported by a state-of-the-art Mac lab.
- In dance, the curriculum is revitalized, and Orchesis, Wilson’s beloved dance ensemble, is reenergized.
- In music, a new chair is restoring Wilson’s choral tradition and launching an exciting new a cappella
group, reviving the legacy of the Ten Tones.
Athletics & Engagement
Athletics remain a powerful driver of student engagement, with 40–51% of first-year students participating in NCAA Division III sports. Since 2019, Wilson teams have earned:
- Two conference championships in women’s softball
- Two in men’s basketball
- A three-peat in field hockey
- Multiple President’s Cup honors
esports & Innovation
Wilson launched competitive esports with the creation of the Wilson PHNX esports team, including what may be the first all-female collegiate Valorant team. Phoenix esports compete in the Eastern College Athletics Conference
(ECAC) league. While still a club team in 2022, the Rocket League team placed third in national competition. In 2024, the esports program reached a major milestone when all four competitive teams qualified for the playoffs in their respective leagues, with the Fortnite Duos team placing fifth in the national grand finals.
Equestrian Excellence
Wilson’s equestrian program—deeply rooted in the College’s history—has seen strategic investment and national success:
- We elevated the Hunt Seat team to varsity status and defeated powerhouse programs like Penn State.
- We added a new Western discipline, led by a full-time coach focused on recruitment and retention.
- Enrollment in equestrian programs has grown, attracting students nationwide.
- Wilson riders earned national honors, including a first-ever national championship title in open reining, a Western discipline, and top placements in Hunt Seat events. Even the horses themselves earned accolades on the national stage.
What this shows is that at Wilson, we don’t just educate; we inspire, engage, and empower students to become champions in every arena.
Faculty & Staff Support
At the heart of Wilson’s transformative education are its faculty and staff—dedicated professionals who teach, mentor, and lead with passion. Recruiting and retaining outstanding faculty and staff and then ensuring that they have access to the technology, resources, and facilities required to deliver a quality Wilson education to today’s students and future Phoenix.
The We Rise campaign prioritized ensuring they receive competitive wages along with the tools they needed to thrive.
These behind-the-scenes improvements are essential to the student experience and Wilson’s long-term sustainability. They reflect a deep commitment to modernization, security, and academic excellence—and they are investments that will pay dividends for years to come.
Debt Reduction
Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, Wilson has chipped away at its mountain of debt—knocking $2 million off the total, which still stands at a daunting $33 million from past capital projects. This financial burden isn’t just a number; it comes with restrictive covenants that tighten our fiscal flexibility and challenge our ability to invest boldly in the future. The call is always open for others to step forward and help lighten the load.
The Wilson Fund & Unrestricted Giving
The Wilson Fund and unrestricted giving are essential to Wilson’s financial health. For six consecutive years—including this one—the Wilson Fund has surpassed $1 million annually, marking a historic achievement for the College. This success is a testament to the generosity of our donors and the dedication of our Advancement team.
These flexible funds allow the College to:
- Cover unexpected expenses and operational shortfalls.
- Reduce the draw on the College’s endowment, helping protect its principal for future generations.
- Address deferred maintenance and evolving campus needs.
- Keep tuition competitive, to ensure affordability for students.
Unrestricted gifts empower Wilson to respond to needs as they arise and direct resources where they’re needed most. They help us balance the budget, maintain financial equilibrium, and continue offering a high-quality education that remains affordable and accessible—often at a lower cost than regional public institutions.
Special Thanks
A special note of thanks to the amazing team in the Office of Institutional Advancement for their tireless work and dedication to the campaign: Angela Zimmann, Ph.D., vice president for institutional advancement, Denise McDowell ’25 M.A.L., director of major gifts, Marybeth Famulare H’17, director of major gifts, Rebecca Goodhart ’06, donor relations and research coordinator, Chris Boryan, gift processing and donor services specialist, Amy Gulino, director of grants, foundation relations, and advancement services, and Andrea McCauley, director of alumni relations.
Campaign Leadership
Honorary Co-Chairs
Marguerite Brooks Lenfest ’55
Susan Breakefield Fulton ’61
Co-Chairs
Margaret Hamilton Duprey
Lisbeth Sheppard Luka ’69, M.Ed.
Vice-Chair
Robin J. Bernstein H’23, Esq.
Campaign Committee
Jennifer Nickle Banzhof ’94
Cynthia Dimmick Grove ’63
Jane Everhart Murray ’67
James A. Orsini, D.V.M.
Julia Solleveld Osborne ’64
Gail E. Saxton ’81
Barbara L. Tenney ’67, M.D.
Betty Lou Leedom Thompson ’60
Janelle S. Wills ’14, V.M.D.
Presidents Emeriti
Honorary Members
Mary-Linda Sorber Merriam Armacost, Ph.D.
Lorna Duphiney Edmundson, Ed.D.
Gwendolyn Evans Jensen, Ph.D.
Barbara K. Mistick, D.M.
Fall ’22
Linda E. Krach ’74, M.D., Trustee, issued a challenge to her fellow alumnae and alumni, and friends. She matched the first $100,000 raised for scholarships in Fall 2022.
Winter ’22
With the support of matching gifts from two generous alumnae, Jennifer Nickle Banzhof ’94, Trustee, and Christina Cressler Morrow ’68, Giving Tuesday donations compounded to make a larger impact on the entire campus community.
Spring ’23
Alumnae and alumni joined Joan Thuebel ’52 in demonstrating unwavering commitments to their alma mater by making donations to the Wilson Fund. Joan matched the first $100,000 raised in Spring 2023 for the Wilson Fund.
Fall ’23
Two extraordinary Wilson alumnae and classmates, Marian “Mimi” Stevenson ’74 and Kathryn “Kathy” Kelley Karns ’74, stepped forward with an extraordinary gesture to match $100,000 during Fall 2023 for the Wilson Fund, symbolizing their profound connection to Wilson College and their unwavering commitment to helping their alma mater rise up.
Special Appeal ‘23 – “Who’s Your Wilson Heroine or Hero?”
President Emerita Gwen Jensen, and her late husband, Gordon Maurice Jensen, gave a $100,000 challenge
gift in honor of Captain Joan Hankey Hankey ’59, USN.
Winter ’23
Thanks to the generosity of five alumnae and friends of the College, every gift made to a We Rise campaign priority on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, was matched up to $60,000 effectively doubling the impact!
• Paula Spezza Tishok ’71
• Margaret Hamilton Duprey, Trustee and Campaign Co-Chair
• Cynthia Dimmick Grove ’63, Trustee Emerita
• Lisbeth Sheppard Luka ’69, Trustee Emerita and Campaign Co-Chair
• Robin J. Bernstein H’23, Trustee Emerita
Spring ’24
In an extraordinary display of commitment, six distinguished alumnae and friends of Wilson came forward to inspire and challenge the Wilson community. Together, they pledged a $100,000 matching challenge, promising to double every contribution made to the We Rise campaign priorities through the College’s annual spring appeal in 2024.
• Cynthia Fink Barber ’73
• Margaret Hamilton Duprey, Trustee and Campaign Co-Chair
• Judith Coen Grove ’74, Trustee
• Tracy Leskey ’90, Trustee
• Lisbeth Sheppard Luka ’69, Trustee Emerita and Campaign Co-Chair
• Barbara Tenney ’67, Trustee Emerita
Fall Appeal ’24
Two wonderful couples partnered to offer a challenge to match the first $100,000 raised in the fall 2024 semester for the We Rise campaign.
• Terry and Janet Chamberlain Flinchbaugh ’69
• Sandy McNair ’73 and Barry McHale
Winter ‘24
In December 2024, a group of nine young alumnae and alumni, plus President Wes Fugate, offered to match the first $15,000 raised during the Giving Tuesday event, which successfully raised over $92,000 for the campaign.
• Connor Bowers ’24
• Amanda Clever ’14
• Marybeth Famulare H’17
• Timothy Horn ’18
• Katelyn Wingerd May ’16
• Katie Shank ’19, ’21 M.H.A., ’22 M.A.L.
• Ligmie Preval ’09
• Matthew Wilson ’22
• Janelle Wills ’14
Special Appeal ‘25 – Double the Love:
Former Trustee Pamela Francis Kiehl ’66 and current Trustee William Kiehl doubled their initial gift of $50,000 to launch a $100,000 challenge to show love for all things Wilson.
Spring ’25
Two remarkable Wilson women stepped forward with a challenge match. The Swartz sisters, Marilyn Swartz Miller ’59 and Damaris Swartz Weidner ’55, pledged $120,000 to match spring Wilson Fund gifts—an effort that was fully met, honoring Marilyn’s legacy after her passing.
Special Appeal ‘25 – Finish Strong
In June 2025, Trustee Gail E. Saxton ’81 and her husband Thomas Murphy issued a final $60,000 match for
the last month of the campaign.
