photo by: McPherson College

McPherson College has received the largest single commitment to a small liberal arts college in the United States.

McPherson College, a Kansas liberal arts college known for its one-of-a-kind Automotive Restoration Technology degree program, announced Friday that it has received the largest single commitment to a small liberal arts college in the United States.

The anonymous double match estate commitment is worth $500 million and will support construction of several new buildings, a rural and community health center, reduction in student debt and other initiatives, according to a news release from the college.

McPherson College President Michael Schneider announced the commitment to its endowment Friday at the Kansas Leadership Center in Wichita. Also speaking were U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran and Giving Pledge Signatory and California philanthropist Melanie Lundquist, representing the anonymous donor.

McPherson College offers more than 30 undergraduate degree programs to its more than 800 students.

As part of the “double match” estate gift, the anonymous donor will contribute $2 for every dollar given by others, up to $500 million to the college’s endowment. The anonymous donor can opt to pay over time, or the total is due in full upon their death. The college has until June 30, 2023, to meet this target, and is well on its way having raised $130 million to date. If the goal of raising $250 million is met, the donor will contribute $500 million, resulting in a total of $750 million into McPherson College’s endowment.

“This is an unprecedented show of support not just for McPherson College but also for America’s small, liberal arts colleges,” Schneider said.

The $500 million will support the college’s Community by Design strategic plan, including four initiatives:

• Continuation of the pioneering Student Debt Project, which provides matching funds for students who hold jobs while attending school;

• The new campus master plan, including the 55,000-square-foot Campus Commons student life center, which breaks ground Saturday, the Boiler House recreation and social space, and the Holman Center for Athletics;

• The Kansas Center for Rural & Community Health Science;

• The National Center for the Future of Engineering, Design & Mobility.

Friday’s announcement was in part catalyzed by a $25 million multiyear commitment in May from philanthropists Melanie and Richard Lundquist, which was the Lundquists’ first significant donation outside of their California home and their first gift in higher education. At the press conference, Melanie Lundquist announced an additional $25 million gift to McPherson College, bringing their total commitment to $50 million. Richard Lundquist joined McPherson College’s Board of Trustees earlier this year.

McPherson College’s Automotive Restoration Technology degree program has received national acclaim and earned the support of car collectors, including icon Jay Leno, and its students hope to compete at one of the automotive world’s signature events, the Concours d’Elegance at Pebble Beach, California, next year.