Harcum College secures million donation, marking the largest gift in the institution’s history.
Harcum College, a private two-year institution located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, has announced that it will receive a historic million donation from the estate of Louise Strauss, a former member of its board of trustees. This donation marks the largest single financial gift in the school’s 110-year history and is set to significantly enhance the college’s resources, which currently support fewer than 1,000 students and operate on an annual budget of approximately million. The donation notably exceeds the college’s existing endowment of over million.
Harcum College President Jon Jay DeTemple has emphasized the transformative nature of this gift, which he believes will facilitate the recruitment of new students and the improvement of campus facilities. The financial support is anticipated to play a critical role in the college’s strategy to overcome enrollment challenges, particularly in the wake of declining student numbers, which once reached around 1,600 prior to the pandemic.
The generous bequest originates from Louise Strauss, a University of Pennsylvania alumna who served on Harcum’s board from 2009 until her passing in 2024 due to cancer. A dedicated supporter of the college like her father before her, Strauss had previously established two endowed scholarship funds in honor of her parents, Hilary and Ione A. Strauss, both of whom were long-time advocates for Harcum.
David Jacobson, chair of Harcum’s board of trustees, reflected on Strauss’s impactful legacy, noting the numerous lives she positively influenced through her commitment to the college. Strauss’s family has long been involved with Harcum, with her father, Hilary Strauss, serving on the board for 25 years and founding successful companies in Norristown.
This latest donation will be directed towards advancing scholarship opportunities for students, enhancing the main teaching facility, and undertaking necessary renovations to the academic center. In light of prevailing financial strains faced by many educational institutions, this gift is particularly timely, as it enables Harcum College to assist first-generation college students who are experiencing financial difficulties. These students represent a significant portion of the college’s enrollment, underscoring the pressing need for expanded financial support.
As Harcum College moves forward, the resources made available by Louise Strauss’s estate promise to have a lasting impact on the institution’s ability to provide quality education and access for students in need. The donation not only reflects the philanthropic spirit of an individual dedicated to education but also highlights the continuing challenges faced by smaller colleges across the nation.
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