Boynton Hall and Tower

Large or Small, All Gifts Matter

Of the many hallowed traditions WPI has enjoyed over its long history, the university’s tradition of philanthropic giving is by far the most profound. As most associated with the university know, tinware manufacturer John Boynton donated $100,000 to establish the university back in 1865. Although the gift was of significant value for the day, it alone could not support the ambitious endeavor. The university came to be only after Boynton shared his ardent wish that others help support the undertaking with whatever amount they could.

As it was in 1865, so it is today; no matter what level of support, all gifts matter. From scholarship, research, and enhanced living and learning spaces to athletics, wellness programs, and student organizations, combined donor giving is the lifeblood the university.

Dina

Dina Habboosh ’22

“Every gift, no matter what size, is extremely helpful to the Alden Voices student organization,” says Dina Habboosh ’22, a vocalist with Alden Voices. “Because of donor support, my fellow vocalists and I get to have a high-quality music experience at WPI  that we wouldn’t have otherwise. I get to learn more about music, sing with other women, and be part of a supportive community that has given me both a home at WPI and lifelong friends.”

The combination of smaller dependable gifts and larger transformational gifts sustains the university and provides students with both a quality education and a healthy social experience.

“Being on the WPI Equestrian Team has helped me integrate into the WPI community more than anything else,” says Holly Galvin ’24, who founded the team. “I was a freshman during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected my ability to make friends. Being a part of this team gave me a community of people who I wouldn’t have met otherwise, and it has given me a place to escape from the fast pace of WPI and just enjoy riding with my friends and the horses I love.” 

Holly Galvin

Holly Galvin ’24

Goat Nation Giving Challenge (focused on athletics), Giving Day, our crowdfunding initiative Herd Funded, and the launch of Beyond These Towers: The Campaign for WPI are model examples of the WPI community coming together to support WPI students. By combining support at all levels of individual giving, donors help WPI meet the world’s ever-growing demand for not only a knowledgeable and skilled workforce, but also well-rounded humanist professionals. We’re all in this together.

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