On September 17, 2025, two educational institutions made headlines with remarkable donations that promise to reshape the future of their students. These generous contributions not only mark significant milestones in the history of these universities but also reflect a growing trend of philanthropy aimed at enhancing educational opportunities.
Marshall University Receives Unprecedented Support
Marshall University, located in West Virginia, has been the recipient of a groundbreaking $50 million donation from an unexpected source: President Brad Smith and his wife, Alys Smith. This monumental gift stands as the largest ever received by the university and is particularly notable as it comes from a sitting president to their own institution.
The funds will be directed towards the Marshall for All initiative, which was launched in 2023 with the ambitious goal of enabling students to graduate without debt. By integrating scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities, and family contributions, the program aims to ensure that all students can afford a bachelor’s degree. The university aspires to achieve this goal by its bicentennial celebration in 2037.
Brad Smith, a native of the area and an alumnus of the Lewis College of Business, has a rich background in the tech industry, having served as CEO of a major financial software company for over a decade. In a joint statement, the Smiths expressed their commitment to creating equitable opportunities in West Virginia and Appalachia, emphasizing their hope that this gift will empower students to pursue advanced degrees and inspire a new vision for higher education in the region.
Transformational Gift to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst
In a parallel development, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst has also secured a $50 million commitment from alumnus Dan Riccio, a recent retiree from a leading technology company. This donation is set to significantly enhance the university’s engineering school, marking the largest gift in its history.
The funds will primarily support scholarships for undergraduate engineering students, graduate fellowships, and the establishment of a biomedical engineering chair, alongside efforts to attract and retain top faculty. In recognition of this generous contribution, the engineering school will be renamed the Daniel J. Riccio Jr. College of Engineering during a ceremony scheduled for later this fall.
Riccio, reflecting on his time at the university, expressed pride in witnessing the transformation of UMass Amherst into a world-class institution over the past two decades. He believes that with continued investment and support, the university’s engineering program has the potential to reach even greater heights, furthering its mission to innovate and improve the world.
These two significant donations highlight a growing trend of alumni giving back to their alma maters, fostering a culture of support that can lead to transformative changes in educational landscapes. As these institutions embark on new journeys fueled by philanthropy, the future looks promising for students seeking higher education opportunities.