$1.5 Million Challenge Goal Surpassed

Grant matched by more than $2 Million in new gifts

YORK COLLEGE is celebrating the successful conclusion of a four-year, anonymous challenge gift worth $1.5 million. The final component, the 2010 Challenge, was completed on December 31, 2010, securing the last installment of $250,000 by matching it with $269,841 in “new” gifts to the college since January 1, 2010. With $2,088,226 in matching gifts over four years, the total impact of the challenge grant topped $3.5 million.

President Steve Eckman said, “This challenge has been transformational for York College. It provided stability during a time of economic turmoil, allowed enhanced scholarships for our students, enabled the introduction of new academic programs and athletic teams, and made possible the addition of the online program. It has challenged our alumni and friends to have a greater vision for York College going forward. The response included thousands of qualifying gifts ranging from $5 to seven figures. The impact of this challenge will be felt for years to come.”

Since the challenge was announced in 2007, the college’s enrollment has grown from 396 to 483. Among the new programs added were criminal justice, and very recently, chemistry. The athletic program received a boost when volleyball, track and field, and cross country were reintroduced to campus. Perhaps, most important for students, the college was able to minimize tuition increases while many colleges and universities saw a significant jump. During the challenge, scholarship awards were enhanced by more than 20%, making YC more accessible to a larger group of students. Because of its broad scope, the challenge underwrote nearly every facet of the college’s growth.

Brent Magner, Vice President for Advancement, observed that, “A challenge of this magnitude is a powerful motivator. This extreme level of confidence in the college energized alumni and friends to give more than they had ever considered in the past. We’re grateful for the trust shown by the donor and the generous response that secured the challenge gift. Our students are the beneficiaries of all these gifts and for them the benefits are life-changing.”