Harcum College awarded million donation, the largest ever received by the institution.

Harcum College, a small private two-year institution located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, has announced a significant boost to its financial resources, receiving a monumental million gift from the estate of Louise Strauss, a former board member. This donation marks the largest single contribution in the college’s 110-year history and represents a substantial increase in funding for the institution, which has an annual budget of approximately million and an endowment totaling over million.

According to Harcum College President Jon Jay DeTemple, this transformative gift will enable the college to enhance its facilities and attract more students. The institution, which currently has an enrollment of fewer than 1,000 students, is positioning itself to expand its outreach and improve its academic offerings as it navigates financial challenges common in the current higher education landscape.

Louise Strauss was not only an alumna of the University of Pennsylvania but also a dedicated member of Harcum’s board from 2009 until her passing in 2024. Her commitment to the college was demonstrated through prior contributions, including the establishment of two endowed scholarship funds in honor of her parents, who were long-time supporters of the institution. Throughout her tenure, she held various leadership roles, significantly contributing to the college’s development initiatives.

David Jacobson, chair of Harcum’s Board of Trustees, acknowledged the profound impact of Strauss’s contributions. He emphasized the many lives she touched through her service and philanthropy. Strauss’s legacy in support of education will endure, as the current gift is earmarked for scholarships, technology upgrades, and enhancements to the college’s primary educational facilities.

DeTemple, who has maintained a close relationship with the Strauss family since joining Harcum in 2007, expressed gratitude for their unwavering belief in the college’s mission. This financial windfall comes at a crucial time when many educational institutions face financial instability and declining enrollments exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The college previously boasted an enrollment of 1,600 students but experienced a decline in numbers due to pandemic-related challenges. DeTemple underscored that many of the college’s students are first-generation college attendees who rely heavily on financial support. The influx of funding from Strauss’s estate will help alleviate some of these pressures, allowing Harcum to better serve its student population and ensure they have access to higher education opportunities.

As Harcum College prepares to implement the benefits of this generous gift, it remains focused on its mission to support a diverse student body while enhancing its educational offerings in a rapidly changing academic environment.