KALAMAZOO, MI – Kalamazoo College announced the end of its “Brighter Light” fundraising campaign after raising more than $200 million.

The college publicly launched the campaign with a goal of $150 million in 2021. The campaign is the largest in the college’s history, according to a press release.

In total, the college received $203.2 million from more than 16,500 donors, the news release said. The largest gift was an anonymous $30 million gift to support residential life and student success programs announced in October 2023.

The college increased its fundraising goal to $190 million – in line with the college’s 190th anniversary – after announcing the $30 million gift.

“I am deeply grateful to the thousands of members of the K community and beyond who have given so generously to the Brighter Light campaign,” said Kalamazoo College President Jorge G. Gonzalez.

The aim of the campaign was to create “brighter opportunities, brighter minds and brighter experiences” for students through scholarships, academic support, funding to study abroad, improvements in athletics and campus and other experiences, the release said.

Of these donations, $81 million will go toward scholarships, the release said. An additional $89 million will be dedicated to the college’s endowment, including five new and expanded professorships, faculty development funds, and support for experiential learning centers and programs.

Kalamazoo College previously said the $30 million for residential life would help “reimagine” the residential experience and support new programs for student success. These programs will focus on first-generation students, the college said.

The remaining funds will be dedicated to several construction projects, including construction of the natatorium, renovation of the Stetson Chapel, classroom upgrades and a new roof for the Dow Science Center. Some funds will also be used as gifts for the college’s athletics and arts chambers, the release said.

“The success of the campaign will help the college implement its strategic plan and enable Kindergarten students and alumni to bring a brighter light to the world – today and for years to come,” Gonzalez said.

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