By 1808Delaware
Alumni, parents, and friends of Ohio Wesleyan University contributed an extraordinary $69.4 million in the last academic year, marking the most successful fundraising year in the institution’s history. The investment reflects a powerful show of confidence in OWU’s bold vision for the future of liberal arts education.
Historic Gifts Lead the Way
The year’s philanthropy was defined by four transformative gifts. Two $10 million commitments tied the university’s previous record, followed by a $12 million pledge that briefly set a new high. That record was quickly surpassed by a $20 million gift from John and Kathryn Bradford Milligan, both members of the Class of 1983, establishing the largest single contribution ever received by Ohio Wesleyan.
The Milligans’ generosity is fueling the creation of the John F. Milligan Library, set to open in 2027. Billed as the first fine arts–infused main library in American higher education, the facility will also become home to OWU’s Department of Fine Arts. The couple’s support anchors the university’s efforts to expand accessibility, affordability, and innovation.
A Hub for Learning and Creativity
President Matt vandenBerg called the level of giving “historic,” noting that the impact of these gifts goes beyond numbers.
“Our faculty and staff deliver work of the highest caliber,” vandenBerg said. “Our alumni, parents, and friends are responding in historic fashion, affirming their confidence in this extraordinary team and rallying behind our rebellion of boldness, kindness, and innovation.”
For vandenBerg, the investments act as “force multipliers,” opening opportunities for students to explore, create, and lead with purpose.
Alumni Inspiring the Next Generation
Among the library’s other supporters is Michelle Kilkenney, Class of 1999, who, along with her husband, Ryan, pledged $2.5 million. Kilkenney, a partner with Kirkland & Ellis LLP in Chicago, said her support stems from a belief in the university’s evolving role.
“I am excited by the work happening at Ohio Wesleyan to increase access for students, to give them the grace needed to find their path, and to teach them the power skills they need for lifelong success,” she said. “Ohio Wesleyan is forging new paths in U.S. higher education, and I want to be a part of that change.”
Looking Ahead
The record-breaking total surpasses the university’s previous high of $45.3 million in 2019, setting a new benchmark for philanthropy at OWU. With the Milligan Library as its centerpiece, the university’s bold plan is shaping a campus that prepares students for the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
