Transylvania celebrates phenomenal giving year

Alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends of Transylvania stepped up to support current and future Pioneers this past giving year with more than $8.65 million in gifts - the highest fundraising total in over 10 years.

This wasn't just about the total dollars raised. An increasing number of donors came together to help fund scholarships, student programming, academic excellence and more.

"We are so grateful to every donor who stepped up to support our students this academic year," said Kara Little Covert '90, vice president for advancement.

"Transy's strength has always come from our community of alumni, friends and partners who believe in what we do," she continued. "Personalized learning, teaching and mentorship aren't just buzzwords at Transy - they provide a foundation that prepares our students to tackle complex challenges and step into leadership roles faster than most college graduates. Those of us who experienced Transy's campus know the difference that small class conversations, real access to our professors and experiential learning made for us and how we approach the world. If ever a time existed when a liberal arts education truly mattered, it's right now. Thank you to everyone who helps us carry this mission forward."

Emily Martin '15, director of annual giving operations, highlighted the group effort.

"This has been a great year for collaboration," she said. "When I think of all the teams working behind the scenes to help the university function, from accounting to facilities to IT to human resources, on top of the programs and services that students see and interact with every day, Transy truly is a community effort. There's a lot of work to do, so every single gift makes an impact here. With the support of so many alumni, families, friends and community members, the possibilities for our students can be endless."

This giving year, which ended June 30, The Transylvania Fund generated more than $1.81 million, the second-highest total in the last five years after a record-setting 2025. The number of donors to the fund increased by 20% to 1,184.

Overall financial supporters of the university increased year-over-year from 2,146 to 2,310.

Another highlight was the 10th annual Together for Transy this past spring. The one-day event raised a record of just over $600,000, with donations coming in from all 50 states.

In addition to this year's gifts, Transylvania announced a historic $10 million commitment from an anonymous donor - the largest in the university's history. It includes $9 million to strengthen the W.T. Young Scholars Program, plus a potential additional $1 million in matching funds contingent on contributions from Young Scholars alumni. The commitment also supports The Transylvania Fund.

Giving to the university may now be more advantageous thanks to a new tax law. Starting in 2026, donors taking the standard deduction can claim a deduction of up to $1,000 (or $2,000 if married filing jointly) for cash gifts to nonprofits like Transylvania.

Be a part of making Transylvania's current giving year a success - donate here.