Lenfest Wilson Today Challenge Boosts Wilson Fund Posted on: June 10, 2015 Marguerite Brooks Lenfest ’55 has reaffirmed her support of the College’s Wilson Today plan with the Lenfest Wilson Today Challenge, which matches contributions to the Wilson Fund – dollar for dollar – up to $300,000 for all gifts made by June 30, 2015. The challenge encourages others to support the Wilson Fund by giving them the added incentive of their gifts having twice the impact. For those who have already contributed to the Wilson Fund, the Lenfest Wilson Today Challenge is an opportunity for them to make another gift, knowing that the impact of the new donation will be doubled. The fiscal 2015 Wilson Fund goal is $1 million. To date, $449,909 has been raised, according to the Office of Institutional Advancement. Thanks to the Lenfest challenge, 49 donors have contributed nearly $29,530 in the first two weeks of the challenge – resulting in nearly $60,000 for the Wilson Fund. Gifts to the Wilson Fund are unrestricted and go directly to the current operating budget to defray costs where the need is greatest. The fund is used in a variety of ways, including upgrading and equipping classrooms and laboratories; bringing scholars, poets and musicians to campus to enhance student cultural experiences; compensating faculty; and maintaining Wilson’s beautiful, historic campus. In addition, the Wilson Fund helps deserving students stay in school or reduce their debt by providing scholarships. Marguerite Lenfest and her husband, Gerry, are longtime supporters of ºÚÈË̽»¨. During Wilson’s “Leading with Confidenceâ€� capital campaign, they pledged a total of $20 million toward the College’s endowment. Over the years, the Lenfests have supported Wilson’s annual fund and generously contributed to the unrestricted endowment, student scholarships, faculty development, the Women with Children program and facilities renovations. Through their generosity, Lenfest Commons was created as a student gathering and study space at the center of campus. Last Updated: March 31, 2015 Previous: Starting from Scratch Next: Major Gift to Fund Innovative Equi-Assist Program Related posts Oct 30, 2026 Student Art from ºÚÈË̽»¨ on Display at Coyle Free Library The Visual Arts Invitational, an exhibit featuring artwork by ºÚÈË̽»¨ students, will open Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, at the Coyle… Read more Oct 26, 2026 ºÚÈË̽»¨ Seminar to Focus on Early-Career Advice ºÚÈË̽»¨'s health sciences and business programs will host a Strategic Seminar Series event, "From College to Career: Navigating… Read more Oct 19, 2026 ºÚÈË̽»¨ Names New Vice President for Finance and Administration ºÚÈË̽»¨ has named Merlyn Cumberbatch, M.B.A., as vice president for finance and administration. Cumberbatch brings more than 25… Read more More articles âžœ Share this on: Email
Oct 30, 2026 Student Art from ºÚÈË̽»¨ on Display at Coyle Free Library The Visual Arts Invitational, an exhibit featuring artwork by ºÚÈË̽»¨ students, will open Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, at the Coyle… Read more
Oct 26, 2026 ºÚÈË̽»¨ Seminar to Focus on Early-Career Advice ºÚÈË̽»¨'s health sciences and business programs will host a Strategic Seminar Series event, "From College to Career: Navigating… Read more
Oct 19, 2026 ºÚÈË̽»¨ Names New Vice President for Finance and Administration ºÚÈË̽»¨ has named Merlyn Cumberbatch, M.B.A., as vice president for finance and administration. Cumberbatch brings more than 25… Read more