Transformative $70 million gift is largest in College history

A $70 million gift from the estate of David R. Rathburn ’79, the largest single donation in Grove City College history, will enable the College to increase student financial aid, fund campus building projects, and continue its momentum toward a firmer financial future.

Rathburn, who died in February 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer, was a successful entrepreneur, active alumnus, major donor, and longtime member of the College’s Board of Trustees, which he chaired for 17 years and led through times of intense change and growth.

“David was a generational leader who deeply believed in the distinctive mission of Grove City College. His personal and philanthropic devotion to the College serves as the highest exemplar for those who recognize the tremendous value of a GCC education. He gave in great measure to great impact. He was a model of stewardship, a steadfast partner in leadership, and a good friend. We continue to feel his absence,” President Paul J. McNulty ’80 said.

The bequest from Rathburn’s estate calls for 75 percent – $52 million – to go to the College’s financial aid endowment to fund need- and merit-based scholarships for students. The remaining 25 percent is earmarked for capital improvement projects. The gift boosted the College’s endowment to $270 million, a 25 percent increase.

“This transformational gift will make Grove City College more affordable for hundreds of students every year, help us complete a vision for campus that matches the excellence of our community, and, we hope, inspire others to emulate David’s example of service and support,” said Edward D. Breen ’78, chair of the College’s Board of Trustees. “This gift is massive, but it is not the end of our efforts to set the College on a firm foundation for the future. We hope that this historical milestone is one of many for the advancement of the College and its mission.”

The legacy gift is part of Impact 150: The Anniversary Campaign for Grove City College, an ongoing $185 million fundraising effort coinciding with the College’s sesquicentennial in 2026. Increasing financial aid and funding capital projects are two key priorities of the Impact 150 campaign and essential for the College to sustain its mission.

The College’s principled refusal to accept federal funding allows it to maintain its independence from government control and political influence but cuts off one of the leading sources of higher education revenue. Each year, Grove City College forgoes millions in government funding that other colleges and universities use to attract prospective students with tuition discounts and cover the cost of expensive building projects.

As a result, private support is critical to make up the difference and the College fundraises relentlessly to cover the costs of building projects and other campus improvements, like the ongoing renovation of Rockwell Hall, and provide need- and merit-based institutional scholarships. The College currently provides $12 million annually in financial aid to about 70 percent of students. With Rathburn’s gift, those numbers will increase significantly.

Over his lifetime, Rathburn donated millions to Grove City College for initiatives and projects large and small, including the Christian activities building that bears his name. The $70 million estate gift is the largest ever recorded by the College’s fundraising office.

“David Rathburn now stands as the single most generous donor in College history. But the impact of his contributions of ‘time, talent, and treasure’ are beyond measure. He leaves a legacy of leadership and philanthropy for the ages,” Jeffrey D. Prokovich ’89, vice president for Advancement, said.

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