Anonymous Donors Contribute $6.1 Million to Support Students

“Today the Institute stands solidly atop its rounded hill, still overlooking the city and reaching toward the sky. It stands there for more than any other reason because—by some strange and wonderful supply—there have always been enough people who cared.” Although Mildred McClary Tymeson penned these words almost 60 years ago for the epilogue of her book Two Towers, the statement holds steadfast.

Launched in October 2021 with the university’s most ambitious goal, Beyond These Towers: The Campaign for WPI is not only a powerful opportunity for alumni and friends to support the university, it also serves as undeniable proof there are still many people who care for the Institute atop The Hill.

Most times, WPI enjoys the honor of publicly recognizing and celebrating its transformational-level donors. But, on occasion, philanthropists prefer to remain anonymous. This is the case for several donors who last year contributed to $6.1 million in gift commitments to undergraduate scholarships.

Although these generous donors have chosen to remain anonymous, the impact their gifts make on The Hill and beyond are clear and present.

When asked how donor support impacts her university experience, robotics engineering major Sydney Miller ’27 says, “Donor philanthropy creates real opportunities for students from all backgrounds, and without it, many of us simply wouldn’t have the chance to attend WPI. In addition to boosting our education, donor support also helps build a welcoming and diverse community for everyone.”

Alesia LeSane, assistant director for multicultural education and student success, agrees that transformational gifts have a direct impact on students from many walks of life. “These initiatives not only alleviate financial barriers for underrepresented students through scholarships and financial aid,” she says, “but also cultivate an environment where students can develop their identities, build resilience, and form meaningful connections with their peers.”

Chemistry major Sara Hancock ’26 shares, “WPI’s generous donor support provides me the opportunity to study abroad, which I would not have had otherwise. This year I am going to Prague, Czech Republic. Through this experience I have been learning all about another culture and hopefully will help my Prague sponsor achieve its goal. Without donor support, I would not have the ability to make a difference in the world.”

From an admissions standpoint, Dean of Admissions Jennifer Cluett has an especially compelling perspective on donor philanthropy. “I meet prospective students from around the world who are excited to learn about WPI’s distinctive, project-based approach to learning,” she says, “and it is through donor support that many of these students are allowed to realize their dreams of enrolling at WPI. The impact multiplies as these students contribute in and out of the classroom and engage in research and project experiences that take them places—both down the road and across the globe.”

Biology and biotechnology major and biochemistry minor Jane Tucker ’25 is grateful for donor support as it allowed her to more fully embrace her course work. “My major requires me to be in the laboratory frequently, where lab equipment and instruments grant me hands-on learning like I never could have imagined. Using these learning spaces that are supported by generous donors has encouraged me to explore my interests more deeply and ultimately to be better prepared for my future.”

The university offers its deepest gratitude to the anonymous donors who collectively gave $6.1 million in commitments of financial support. Because alumni and friends still care, WPI maintains the ability to fund strategic initiatives that support undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, world-changing research, global programs, facilities, and a thriving campus community.

Tucker shares this message to all WPI donors: “Thank you for contributing to the success of this amazing university and all of its students. I am very grateful for your generous support and your direct impact on my fellow students, my friends, and me.”