Wartburg College secures $150,000 grant to support Knight's Experience Fund
Waverly, IA (10/22/2024) — A $150,000 R.J. McElroy Trust challenge grant will ensure that even more Wartburg College students will have the opportunity to engage in an immersive learning experience while earning their undergraduate degree.
The grant was awarded in support of the college's Knight's Experience Fund, which awards students up to $1,500 in their second, third or fourth year of school to help offset the cost of an experiential learning opportunity like study abroad, research or an internship. The college has set a goal of raising $450,000 in Knight's Experience Fund gifts during the 2024-25 academic year and will use the gift to inspire alumni and friends to support this endeavor as well.
"The Knight's Experience Fund is a unique opportunity for the McElroy Trust to invest in a student's educational experience beyond the classroom," said Megan McKenzie, executive director of the trust. "The life-changing moment to light a Knight's future on fire could be right around the corner, and we're thrilled to be part of it."
The Knight's Experience Fund is part of the three-pronged Wartburg Commitment, launched in September 2023 to encourage more students to consider Wartburg through a lower published tuition price, enable more students to attend Wartburg with the help of increased scholarships, and increase access to enriching immersive experiences.
"The R.J. McElroy Trust has been an integral partner in support of many of the transformative philanthropic initiatives at Wartburg, and we believe this is a similar watershed opportunity," said Scott Leisinger, vice president for institutional advancement. "We're grateful for their ongoing partnership that enables our students to experience more at Wartburg. With their continued investment, our students will receive life-changing educational opportunities, ensuring that their brightest days, and ours, are yet to come."
The trust was established by R.J. McElroy, a pioneer Iowa broadcaster, upon his death in 1965. The proceeds are to be used for the benefit of deserving young people.
Wartburg College
Emily Christensen, 319-352-8347, emily.christensen@wartburg.eduShare this Story
Recent News
- Wartburg students set to celebrate Culture Week 2025
- Toribio, Gabu each awarded $10,000 in Davis Peace Project Grant
- Wartburg student, organization and community partnership honored by SEED Coalition
- Wartburg College RICE Day will celebrate student research, projects April 10
- Hawkey to lead Wartburg's new master's programs in health, human performance
- Salzwedel Family Fund donates $1 million to Wartburg's Our Brightest Days campaign
- Wartburg names outdoor track, football field players' entrance for influential coaches
- Wartburg, University of Iowa partner to offer accelerated master's degree in library science
- Wartburg College expands graduate options with two new master's degrees in health and human performance
- Wartburg receives $2.3 million gift to bolster Knight's Experience Fund