Record Gift Fuels Wabash College Campaign

(photo courtesy of Wabash College)

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Wabash College has launched the largest fundraising campaign in its 186-year history with the single-largest gift ever given to the school. Wabash announced the $40 million lead gift from Paul and Betty Woolls at the kickoff of the public phase of the $225 million Giant Steps: A Campaign for Wabash College effort.

President Gregory Hess announced the campaign Friday at the Indiana State Museum and says the school raised $150 million during the private phase. That total is more than Wabash College has raised in any previous fundraising campaign.

The school says funds raised will address four priorities: scholarships, immersive learning experiences, capital projects and funding faculty professorships, chairs and academic programs.

Paul Woolls is a retired attorney and owns Progeny Winery in Napa, California. Betty O’Shaughnessy Wools is a former real estate developer and entrepreneur and the founder of O’Shaughnessy Estate Winery in Napa. Paul Woolls says he hopes the $40 million gift will inspire others "to act with boldness and conviction."

The school announced more than 30 gifts of more than $1 million at Friday’s campaign kickoff. That funding will cover areas ranging from scholarships and faculty chairs to Liberal Arts Plus initiatives and athletic facility enhancements.

Wabash College celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2032.