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of Benevolence
Since its humble beginnings in 1883, Reinhardt University was seen as “the learning school of North Georgia.” As one 19th century Atlanta writer noted, Reinhardt represented “the dawn of hope, the illumination that belongs to knowledge, the uplifting of the spirit and the widening of the fields of endeavor.” Reinhardt, to put it simply, transformed lives.
Today, Reinhardt continues this tradition of hope by meeting each student where they are and providing a unique educational experience that develops each student academically, professionally and personally.
Reinhardt, however, unlike many other private colleges, was grounded in the idea that its unique and transformational education should be accessible to every person. That same 19th century writer continued, “From the first, the college has been carried on in the spirit of the broadest benevolence.”
Much of Reinhardt’s benevolence is possible because of the many generous partners that endow scholarships or provide scholarship funds on an annual basis. In the past year alone, Reinhardt offered over $14 million in scholarships to help students realize their dream of a college degree. Over $1 million of these funds came from the endowed and annual scholarships gifted by donors, a significant contribution toward the future of our students, the communities they serve and the world we all share.
The Tilly Stronger Together Scholarships were initiated in 2021 by two generous gifts. The Tilly Stronger Together Metro Atlanta was established by an anonymous donation of $75,000, and the Tilly Stronger Together North Georgia was established with a most generous gift of $100,000 from a committed friend and supporter of the University, the Brown-Whitworth Foundation. The Foundation has committed to gifting $100,000 a year for the next two years; bringing their total contribution to the mutually funded scholarship to $300,000.
Lynn Whitworth notes: “It truly is my family’s privilege to help initiate the Tilly Stronger Together North Georgia Scholarship Campaign. My parents, James and Sis Brown, wholeheartedly believed that education is transformational. Throughout his life, my father worked tirelessly to enhance educational opportunities for all. They invested particularly in North Georgia, the community that gave them so very much. Now, it is our family’s pleasure to honor my parents’ legacy in
Endowed Scholarships
Endowed scholarships require donors to gift at least $25,000 to Reinhardt. The funds, in turn, are invested, and a fraction of their annual worth is used to provide scholarship funds in perpetuity. For example, a 5% draw from a $25,000 endowed scholarship would provide $1,250 annually to support students in their quest to earn a Reinhardt degree.
Two of Reinhardt’s newest endowed scholarships are the Dorothy Rogers Tilly Stronger Together North Georgia and Dorothy Rogers Tilly Stronger Together Metro Atlanta Scholarships (see story about Dorothy Rogers Tilly on page 25). The Tilly Stronger Together Scholarships are mutually funded initiatives that will, in perpetuity, provide financial support for students coming from the North Georgia and Metro Atlanta areas. Contributing donors to the Stronger Together Scholarships make a 3-year commitment to building the endowment.
education, through the Tilly Stronger Together Endowment.”
With a goal to bring each endowment to $1 million by 2025, Reinhardt is relying on other partners throughout the North Georgia and Metro Atlanta regions to become contributing donors to the Dorothy Rogers Tilly Stronger Together Scholarships. Meeting this goal will allow Reinhardt to grant approximately $100,000 a year to deserving students in perpetuity, maintaining the tradition of benevolence for which it is known.
Annual Scholarships
Annual scholarship funds are renewed annually and do not require a minimum gift or the funds to be invested. As long as funds are replenished by the donor, they can be used each year. While a portion of these funds come from individual donors, the majority are supported by foundation partners such as the Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation and the William I. H. and Lula E. Pitts Foundation.
As noted on the Foundation’s website, “Mrs. Whitehead was an ardent supporter of education.” Even after her passing in 1953, she continues to give generously to many educational institutions through her foundation. Last year, the Foundation provided funds to support the financial needs of 80 young women, 98% of whom are from Georgia. This cohort of Lettie Pate Whitehead scholars represents more than 20 different majors. They carry an average GPA of 3.38 and received on average approximately $3,363 in financial support, which is significant since 76% are Pell eligible.
The William I. H. and Lula E. Pitts Foundation was established in 1941 to support charities in Georgia, including institutions of higher education, affiliated with the Methodist Church. Last year, the Foundation granted funds to support 43 students with an average scholarship of approximately $3,500.
These are just two of the generous partners Reinhardt relies upon to make dreams become a reality. Other Foundations that support Reinhardt’s mission to provide a transformational education experience include the
LETTER FROM DR. TOM YANNUZZI | ADVANCEMENT
The moment I stepped on Reinhardt’s campus, I could feel the purpose, compassion and — as the scholarship article points out — benevolence that is so deeply rooted in its history. I have had the privilege to speak with extraordinary alumni, graduates as far back as 1948, and some from distant lands like Turkey. One theme runs through every story — Reinhardt University significantly influenced the trajectory of their lives.
Throughout its history, Reinhardt offered all students, no matter where they were on their life journeys, a special place to question, to learn, to grow and to thrive – personally, professionally and spiritually.
Equally as significant, Reinhardt offered students the financial means through which they could access education. Throughout its 118 years, Reinhardt – founded on the belief that education was the means through which we create a just, equitable, and civil life – has been committed to providing all students access to and support in completing a college degree.
Thank you — all of you who support us with time, talents and treasures. I have seen some amazing things, but none more striking than the degree to which Reinhardt faculty, staff, alumni, community partners, foundations and individual donors support our students. Everyone is committed to making the Reinhardt experience the best it can be.
As the world re-opens, the needs of our students will continue. In fact, we expect that these needs will increase given the additional resources needed to support students’ social, physical, mental and emotional well-being.
Please don’t forget how very important you are in our ability to best serve our students.
I am so very honored to be a member of such an incredible community. I look forward to continuing the wonderful conversations already begun, and engaging in many more with those Reinhardt family and friends I have yet to meet.
Please never hesitate to contact me at tjy@reinhardt. edu or 770-720-5545 if there is anything I or the Office of Advancement and Community Engagement can do to better serve you.
Kindest Regards, Thomas J. Yannuzzi, Ph.D. (He/Him/His) VP for Advancement & Community Engagement
Evelyn and Frank Gordy Foundation, the Greene-Sawtell Foundation, and the Stuart and Eulene Murray Foundation.
County-Based Scholarship Programs
In addition to endowed and annual
Continued, page 38
