EVOLVE: The Campaign for York College nearly doubles original goal of $50 million, led by $5-million gift to name Dr. Donald E. and Lois J. Myers School of Nursing

York College of Pennsylvania publicly launched the first comprehensive campaign in its 250-year history in 2020, at the onset of the global COVID pandemic. The initial goal for EVOLVE: The Campaign for York College was $50 million; however, with tremendous early support from donors, that goal was increased to $70 million in 2021, as the pandemic continued.

The College is announcing the conclusion of the EVOLVE campaign as of the end of December 2022. The final amount raised: $91,800,765.62, nearly double the original goal.

“EVOLVE has rallied the collective efforts of students, parents, alumni, friends, trustees, and members of our faculty and staff,” said President Pamela Gunter-Smith. “By making a gift to the College, they have made a deliberate decision to play a role in supporting both immediate needs and shaping our future. For this, we are incredibly grateful.”

One of the lead gifts of the EVOLVE campaign was a $5-million gift from retired physician Dr. Donald E. Myers of Red Lion in memory of his late wife to name the Dr. Donald E. and Lois J. Myers School of Nursing and Health Professions. A 1951 graduate of York Junior College (YJC), the predecessor of York College of Pennsylvania, Myers said the gift allowed him to recognize the College’s role as a stepping stone to his 40-plus-year career as a physician in York and also to honor his wife’s memory.

Over the duration of the campaign, more than 10,000 donors, like Dr. Myers, supported EVOLVE. More than 3,500 alumni made contributions, and nearly one in six donations were given by individuals or organizations that had never supported York College before. Finally, more than 500 gifts of $10,000 or more were made to support seven priorities based on the College’s strategic plan:

1. Intercollegiate athletics (over $2.5 million raised)
2. The Graham Center for Collaborative Innovation (nearly $19 million raised)
3. Academic Excellence (nearly $29 million raised)
4. Scholarships (over $19 million raised)
5. The York College Fund (over $7 million raised)
6. York Country Day School (over $10 million raised)
7. Spartan Commons (nearly $1.5 million raised)

Troy M. Miller, Vice President of Development, said, “No campaign is about how much money is raised; instead, it is about the effect the campaign has on the institution. The support received in these priority areas will allow York College to move to the next level in the coming years.”