SALEM, VA, Sept. 2, 2025—Roanoke College is pleased to announce that its President’s 25 student scholarship initiative has raised more than $1 million in cash and pledges, thanks to the generosity of 41 passionate supporters who believe in the exponential value of endowed student financial aid.
With an anonymous donor matching the $1 million currently raised in cash and commitments, the college has now raised more than $2 million—all during the first year of the President’s 25 (P25) program.
The P25 program was founded in 2024 under the leadership of Roanoke College’s 12th President, Dr. Frank Shushok Jr., who emphasizes the reality that nothing is more important to the future of Roanoke College than helping students afford a transformative education. To join P25, individuals commit to making an annual gift to endowed student financial aid of $5,000 for five years for a total of $25,000. To view a list of the 41 current P25 members, click here.
“We often think of investments in monetary terms, but the compounding effect of these gifts in the lives of students and their families is exponential,” Shushok said. “We’re so excited to invite our community to jump in and be among the next 40 P25 members who invest in the future of Roanoke College and our students.”
“I can’t think of a better investment than helping students get an education,” said Helen Twohy Whittemore ’80. “It’s truly a game changer for them and for the communities that they’ll go on to serve. I’m so honored to be part of the founding class of P25 members.”
The President’s 25 program also bolsters the college’s finances. Of the more than $36 million dollars in institutional aid awarded annually to students, only $3.6 million is currently funded through endowment proceeds, the gap being covered in the form of an unfunded discount. This puts tremendous strain on the college’s finances and, more importantly, limits the ability to help support students at a level they need. Roanoke College students are also graduating with increasing student loan debt, a trend the college is dedicated to reversing. Shushok has made raising endowed student financial aid his number one philanthropic priority, pledging to close the college’s multimillion-dollar gap in funded and unfunded student financial aid.
“Having had the opportunity to attend Roanoke as a student was life-changing. My experiences in the classroom, on campus and on the basketball court were made possible through the generosity of donors,” said Vice President for Advancement Nate Stewart. “I cannot pay those donors back for what they did for me and my fellow students, but together, we can make life-changing experiences possible for the next generation of Roanoke students!”
As the college seeks to achieve the ambitious goals outlined in the new strategic plan, “Imagine Roanoke,” endowment growth is paramount to the long-term success and viability of the college. There is no greater gift than the gift of education.
