Join WPU in celebrating donors on Day of Thanks
The William Peace University (WPU) community is impacted by the courageous generosity of donors each day. Whether it’s a student attending the University with the help of a scholarship or a class learning in a hands-on, immersive space, every WPU student benefits from philanthropy.
The WPU Community celebrates our donors annually on February 14 during WPU’s Day of Thank.
There are countless ways that WPU supporters make a difference. Here are five:
1) Student Scholarships
The area that donors support the most is student scholarships! Scholarships directly enable our students to receive an education that turns their passion into purpose.
Donors fund scholarships that meet a variety of student needs — from scholarships for juniors or seniors with financial difficulties keeping them from graduation to scholarships for non-traditional students in WPU’s School of Professional Studies.
For example, Alumna Peggy Britt ’56 and the Bill and Peggy Britt Foundation recently gave $1 million in 2022 to support WPU student scholarships! This fund will support new students enrolling at the University with a preference for those who are the first in their family to attend college, and/or have financial need.
The Loyalty Fund
The Loyalty Fund is WPU’s unrestricted annual giving fund — it helps fill the gap between tuition and operating expenses.
Gifts to this fund support more than 30 campus student groups and organizations, our faculty and staff, academics, and university growth and needs! For example, during the 2020-21 school year, the Loyalty Fund helped equip classrooms for a pandemic — everything from clear touch panels to wireless microphones were provided.
Unrestricted giving is crucial to the success of the University as it strives to provide an innovative and immersive curriculum.
The Believe in Peace Strategic Plan
The Believe in Peace Strategic Plan was designed to successfully promote our growth and impact. Through this plan, WPU will be known as a distinctive leader in higher education throughout our region.
Gifts given to support the Believe in Peace Strategic Plan will support WPU’s strategic initiatives in immersive learning, innovative partnerships, strategic growth, and distinctive identity. This includes projects such as the establishment of the Center for Immersive Learning (CIL) in 2020 thanks to the generosity of Clancy and Theys Construction Company!
WPU’s Campus Facilities
Gifts to Campus Facilities are vital to keeping WPU vibrant! New and improved areas on campus like the second floor in Belk Dining Hall, the courtyard on Main, and Gaddy Garden are all possible thanks to donations.
Recently, the A.E. Finley Foundation gave to support renovations to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system in Finley Residence Hall.
Pacer Athletics
Thanks to donors, Pacer Athletics are able to have facilities improvements, upgrades for training equipment, and the purchase of new uniforms and sports gear.
WPU Alumna Fay Anderson ‘54 courageously provided for Athletics throughout her lifetime. She and her husband William Edward “Ed” created the W. Edward Anderson and Fay Jackson Athletic Endowment Fund in 2005 to enhance WPU Athletics program and facilities. Alongside this, Fay supported renovations in the Hermann Athletic Center’s main gym. In honor of her philanthropy, the court was named Fay Jackson Anderson ’54 Court in 2017.
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On February 14, we will continue to celebrate our donors for the impact they make on campus. Learn how you can join them and make your own impact on students on WPU’s Day of Giving on February 23.