Photo above: The 45,000-square-foot Science Center is home to biology, chemistry, health sciences, and pre-professional programs, providing students with advanced laboratories and hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for careers in medicine, research, and other STEM fields.
SUMMARY:
- Alumnus and former trustee leaves C-SC an unexpected $1.4 million estate gift, one of the largest legacy gifts in College history
- Funds will endow long-term maintenance of the College’s Science Center and support student scholarships
- Science Center (opened 2002, 45,000 sq. ft.) houses biology, chemistry, health sciences, and pre-professional programs
CANTON, Mo. — An unexpected $1.4 million estate gift is creating new opportunities for Culver-Stockton students while helping preserve one of the College’s most important academic facilities.
The gift, one of the largest legacy gifts in the College’s history, will establish an endowment for the long-term maintenance of the Science Center, with the remaining funds supporting student scholarships.
“This extraordinary gift is a powerful affirmation of Culver-Stockton’s mission and future,” said Culver-Stockton College President Lauren Schellenberger. “It reflects a deep belief in our students and the life-changing impact of a Culver-Stockton education. Gifts like this allow us to expand opportunity, strengthen our campus, and ensure future generations of Wildcats have the resources they need to thrive.”
The donor, an alumnus and former member of the College’s Board of Trustees, had indicated plans to include Culver-Stockton in an estate gift. Even so, it was a surprise when a check for the full amount arrived in the mail.
“It’s not every day that an institution receives a gift of this magnitude in the daily mail,” said Vice President for Advancement Sarah Koplinski. “Perhaps that speaks to the kind of person our donor was — humble, practical, and focused on making a difference rather than receiving recognition. Their decision to support both scholarships and the long-term care of our Science Center demonstrates remarkable foresight and tremendous trust in the College’s future.”
Opened in 2002, the College’s 45,000-square-foot Science Center is home to biology, chemistry, health sciences, and pre-professional programs, providing students with advanced laboratories and hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for careers in medicine, research, and other STEM fields.
The gift also advances the College’s commitment to expanding educational access. Scholarship support helps more students pursue a Culver-Stockton education, while the Science Center endowment ensures the facility will continue serving generations of Wildcats. That commitment to opportunity has earned national recognition, with U.S. News & World Report ranking Culver-Stockton among the top 10 Regional Colleges in the Midwest for Social Mobility.
Contact the Marketing & Public Relations Office, at pr@culver.edu or 573-288-6000 ext. 6728 for more information.
NOTE: A number that appears immediately after a person’s name (i.e. Jane Doe ’18) is a reference to the year that person earned their bachelor’s degree from Culver-Stockton.