Devon Prep to receive million donation from alumnus who founded a multibillion-dollar tech firm.

Devon Prep, a prominent all-male Catholic school located in Tredyffrin Township, has announced an million gift from the Dunleavy Foundation. This foundation, co-founded by Keith Dunleavy, a distinguished alumnus and successful medical entrepreneur, aims to establish the Dunleavy Scholars program, which will provide scholarships centered on persuasive writing and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.

The Dunleavy Foundation made its announcement on Friday morning, stating that the significant financial contribution would bolster educational opportunities for the school’s 330 students. Father Nelson Henao, president of Devon Prep, expressed gratitude for the generous support, emphasizing the importance of combining academic pursuit with faith experiences to enrich student lives and prepare them for future success.

Keith Dunleavy, a 1987 graduate of Devon Prep, has had a notable career in the health technology sector. After receiving degrees from Dartmouth College and Harvard Medical School, he founded Inovalon in 1998, which has since evolved into a billion-dollar cloud-based software and data analytics company. Dunleavy stepped down as CEO in March after 26 years at the helm, with Forbes estimating his family’s net worth at approximately .9 billion.

The Dunleavy Scholars program will introduce 30 scholarships annually, split between the fields of STEM and persuasive writing. Each year, concluding with the students’ senior year, one scholar from each track will receive a ,000 award to support their educational aspirations.

Dunleavy’s connection to Devon Prep is deep-rooted, as his family chose the school for its rigorous educational standards and religious foundation. Reflecting on his time there, he recalled the influence of dedicated teachers and expressed a commitment to enhancing the educational mission of the institution through this substantial donation.

The Dunleavy Foundation’s contributions to education extend beyond this recent gift. In 2020, the foundation provided a million challenge grant to support the school’s capital campaign, further emphasizing its dedication to fostering educational excellence.

Dunleavy’s vision for the Dunleavy Scholars program encompasses developing critical thinking skills as students engage in rigorous coursework. His background in medicine and technology shaped the STEM focus of the scholarships, while the emphasis on persuasive writing reflects a concern for communication skills that are vital yet threatened by modern communication trends.

As artificial intelligence continues to permeate various facets of life, including education, Dunleavy underscored the importance of developing independent critical thinking. He acknowledged the growing presence of AI in healthcare and other sectors but cautioned against over-reliance on technology for academic success.

The establishment of the Dunleavy Scholars program marks a significant investment in the future of Devon Prep students, aiming to foster a generation equipped with the skills to thrive in a technology-driven world while also honing their intellectual and communicative abilities.