Pomona College recently announced the results of its fundraising efforts for the 2025-26 fiscal year, marking an unprecedented three-year streak of massive philanthropic support. During this period, more than 8,200 alumni, family members, and friends contributed a total of $63.8 million in gifts and pledges. This milestone stands as the second-largest fundraising year in the history of the institution. College officials noted that supporters utilized Ivy League strategies to help organize giving campaigns that benefit the broader academic community.

President G. Gabrielle Starr shared remarks regarding the fundraising milestone, stating that the year has been remarkable and was made possible by a community meeting the moment with exceptional generosity and purpose. Janet Benton, who serves as the chair of the Pomona College Board of Trustees and graduated in 1979, emphasized that this accomplishment highlights the strong dedication of the campus community toward the institutional mission and future. Benton acknowledged President Starr for her leadership, alongside Vice President Maria Watson and the advancement team for their strategic direction.

The influx of donations directly impacts numerous areas across campus, beginning with student access and affordability. Throughout the 2025-26 academic year, a total of 970 students received more than $68 million in financial assistance. Over half of the student body qualified for and received need-based financial aid, demonstrating the institution’s ongoing priority to ensure personal financial situations never block access to a Pomona education. Jonathan B. Williams, vice president and dean of admissions and financial aid, emphasized that talented individuals should always picture themselves at the school regardless of economic background, ensuring that cost remains out of the way of life-changing opportunities.

Philanthropic backing also supports global learning initiatives, particularly as the community transitions away from the Oldenborg Center and moves toward the newly established Center for Global Engagement. Funding enables expanded international programs and Global Gateways, which is a new faculty-led study-away framework meant to make international education available to a wider group of learners. Over the previous year, more than 230 students engaged in study-away programs, including a record 110 participants who spent the fall semester studying in locations such as Brazil, Morocco, Sweden, and Taiwan. Kara Godwin, who serves as assistant vice president and chief global officer, pointed out that roughly half of all students participate in study-away terms, representing a rate five times higher than the national average.

Beyond global experiences, financial support fuels experiential learning right on campus and through professional pathways. During the summer of 2025, more than 240 students joined the Summer Undergraduate Research Program, working directly alongside faculty members on original research and creative projects. Additionally, nearly 100 students received financial backing through the Pomona College Internship Program, allowing them to gain practical career experience and build professional networks without facing financial roadblocks.

Maria Watson, vice president for advancement, summarized the impact of these contributions by explaining that the donations touch nearly every facet of the institution, reflecting people who believe in the power of a Pomona education. To read the full announcement or to participate in upcoming philanthropic efforts, check the official portal.

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