Elmhurst College has announced two significant deferred gifts that will benefit students by supporting the education and music departments.

An anonymous donor established a $1.5 million bequest to create an endowed Chair in Education. The donor and her sister, both alumnae of Elmhurst, devoted their lives to elementary education and also have had a deep love for the College. The sisters, who have supported Elmhurst College scholarships in the past, recognized the continued importance that faculty research has on the development of best practices in education. The endowed chair, once funded, will be awarded to a faculty member in the College’s Department of Education.

Another anonymous donor committed an estimated $1 million estate gift to create an endowment that will support the choral programs at the College. Once realized, this gift will support the College’s choral programs, which are growing in both participation and range, ensuring that music will continue to be an integral part of the Elmhurst experience.

The most recent gifts bring the total of fundraising efforts since July 2016 to more than $11 million, with more than $2.5 million going directly to student aid through scholarships.

“It’s always gratifying to talk with our alumni and friends about our faculty and students, and it is especially rewarding when donors are moved to ensure that this great work continues,” said Elmhurst College President Troy D. VanAken.

It’s always gratifying to talk with our alumni and friends about our faculty and students, and it is especially rewarding when donors are moved to ensure that this great work continues.

President Troy D. VanAken