Launched in parallel with President Sharon D. Herzberger’s final year at the College, the Go Poets! Presidential Scholarship Campaign faced an ambitious goal of raising $8 million in a single year. As expected, the Whittier community rose to the occasion. The campaign goal has been exceeded, ensuring that Herzberger’s legacy of keeping the Whittier experience accessible and affordable will continue.
Over the course of the campaign, over 1,500 alumni, parents, and friends participated with gifts of all sizes. Notably, 17 new endowed scholarship funds were established by generous individuals or groups. Many individuals also made scholarship commitments through their estates. These funds will make scholarship awards in perpetuity in honor of the individuals for whom they were named.
In reflecting upon the response to the campaign, Herzberger said, “I am delighted and humbled, but not at all surprised. The generosity of the Poet family has been integral to the College’s success since its founding. The same was true throughout my presidency and, if this campaign was any indication, the same will be true well into the future.”
In addition to raising money for students, the Go Poets! Campaign also resulted in many touching notes for Herzberger from alumni and friends.