2025 Impact Report by Carthage College

A Message From the President

In last year’s Impact Report, I described how trust is the key ingredient in Carthage’s success. This year, I want to highlight another aspect of that trust: the way it continues to bear fruit through the generosity and vision of our donors.

Because of you, Carthage welcomed more than 1,000 new students this fall. Our students choose Carthage with confidence because we continue to provide a vibrant liberal arts education shaped by both tradition and innovation.

Your philanthropy has allowed us to make remarkable progress over the past year:

• Together, we raised nearly $16.4 million in new commitments toward The Light That Travels campaign.

• More than 3,000 donors, including 750 first-time donors, showed their belief in Carthage’s mission.

• Through scholarships, professorships, and program innovation, the campaign is directly impacting our students.

We are also celebrating milestones that connect our past with our future. During the past year, donors created the Dudley Riggle Endowed Chair for Campus Ministry. This chair is held by the Rev. Adam Miller-Stubbendick, who shapes spiritual life on campus as our newly installed campus pastor. Next spring, we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the A. F. Siebert Chapel,

which will benefit from new donor-funded mainlevel seating and flooring.

Looking ahead, Carthage is investing in new programs to meet student and workforce demand, including growth in health-related fields through a new School of Health. These steps ensure that Carthage remains a place where students thrive academically, socially, and personally. As always, our nationally recognized Aspire Program continues to expand opportunities for students to secure internships and prepare for meaningful careers, strengthening ties with regional employers.

Your trust and support make all of this possible. On behalf of our faculty, staff, and students, thank you for moving Carthage ever forward.

With gratitude,

John R. Swallow President and CEO

3,000+ DONORS

750+

16.4 MILLION

carthage giving societies summary

Leaders in Philanthropy

LEADERSHIP GIVING SOCIETY members give $1,000 or more cumulatively to any area of the College in the current fiscal year, which runs from July 1 through June 30. Tiers within the society recognize higher levels of giving, and graduated giving levels are available for recent alumni. Membership is renewable annually.

ENDURING GIFT SOCIETY members have cumulative lifetime giving totaling $100,000 or more (exclusive of estate commitments). Tiers within the society recognize higher levels of giving. Membership is lifetime.

ALFORD PARK LOYALTY SOCIETY members contribute any amount to the College for three or more consecutive fiscal years (July 1 through June 30). Tiers within the society recognize greater consecutive years of giving. Membership is renewable annually.

DENHART SOCIETY members have made Carthage a part of their legacy through estate commitments, planned gifts, and endowments. Membership is lifetime.

SUSTAINER members demonstrate ongoing commitment by setting up recurring gifts that provide steady, reliable support for Carthage. Membership is renewable annually.

We Give to Carthage Because…

BRIAN JONES ’00

“Some of my most meaningful Carthage memories were made on choir tours. Those experiences shaped who I am, both personally and professionally. I give because I want today’s students to have that same opportunity to grow, connect, and be inspired — even if finances might otherwise stand in the way. Supporting the arts, especially the Carthage Choir, is my way of saying thank you and paying that gift forward.”

JASON WENDT ’08

“Carthage provided me with the education and experience that laid the foundation for my professional career. Giving back is my way of ensuring future students have the same opportunities to grow, learn, and succeed.”

CHERIE L. MATTHAIDESS ROBINSON ’01

“As a Carthage trustee and parent to four kids, my husband George and I understand the need for annual scholarships and the impact they have. We’re thrilled to support Carthage students in this way.”

Building Futures, Celebrating Success

At Carthage, the future begins now. Made possible by the visionary generosity of Jan Tarble, The Aspire Program is an award-winning, program that helps students discover their strengths, explore career options, and design lives of purpose from their first days on campus. Nearly 80% of students take part each year in 200+ opportunities — from internships and job shadowing to networking with top employers — and with guidance from dedicated Career Specialists.

Aspire removes barriers by funding unpaid internships and career experiences, awarding more than $160,000 to 125 students so far. Its impact has also earned national recognition, including the Pursuit of Career Excellence Award and multiple honors from our education tech partner, Suitable.

Equally important, Aspire celebrates student achievement through Intern of the Year awards and the Innovator’s Collective pitch competition. Supported by more than $100,000 in grant funding, The Aspire Center continues to expand opportunities for every Carthage student to explore, achieve, and succeed.

“My favorite part of my internship has been completing crevasse rescue training. Each morning I go out on the ice to practice building anchors and creating pulley systems to pull people up. I work with an amazing group of interns from all over the U.S., which makes this experience so much fun.”

MEGHAN FELGENHAUER ’26

Glacier Guide Intern for

Glacier Tours in

Alaska

Matanuska

Student Enrollment Profile

1,000+ INCOMING STUDENTS FOR FALL 2025

Top Majors

NURSING

MANAGEMENT

PSYCHOLOGY

BIOLOGY

MARKETING

2,700+ STUDENTS ENROLLED MORE THAN 80

LEGACY FAMILIES ENROLLED

“Thanks to Carthage’s supportive donors, I have the opportunity to be here, surrounded in an environment that fosters success, leadership, and innovation. I feel well-equipped with valuable resources and a strong community that empowers me to reach my fullest potential. I am proud to be contributing to the positive impact Carthage is making in our community and beyond.”

CHASE CRIPPEN ’28

Each dollar given to the Carthage Fund gives the College increased flexibility to provide the programs and mentorship that today’s students and their families are seeking most:

• Caring faculty and staff who know them by name and are committed to their academic, social, emotional, and physical well-being;

• A high-quality and innovative curriculum that instills the value of lifetime learning and seeks relevancy with today’s workforce needs;

• Internship and career support through the nationally recognized Aspire Program, giving all students a big boost toward a bright future;

• Student-run clubs and organizations, competitive athletics, and opportunities in the visual and performing arts; and

• A commitment to affordability through scholarships and other financial assistance for 100% of our students.

The Carthage Fund assists the College in meeting the most immediate needs of our students.

28 SPORTS

850 STUDENTATHLETES

49 PARTICIPANTS IN CARTHAGE-BOUND PRE-ORIENTATION

130+ CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

MORE THAN

1,400 PARTICIPANTS FOR EQUITY AND INCLUSION PROGRAMS

463 MUSIC, THEATRE, DANCE, AND STUDIO ART STUDENTS

School of Health

Launched in May 2025, the new Carthage School of Health is tackling regional healthcare shortages head-on. Building on the strength of our renowned nursing program, the school will prepare students for a wide range of in-demand healthcare careers.

Philanthropic support has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life, including a $1.32 million grant from the State of Wisconsin for nurse training facilities; a $1.32 million matching pledge from Tom and Jan Duncan, who have additionally supported scholarships for BSN and CNA students; and a $70,000 grant from the Franklin and Irene List Saemann Foundation for simulation equipment. The Saemann Foundation’s support for pre-health and nursing programs began in 2016 and totals more than $400,000.

With numerous majors already in place and growing industry partnerships, the Carthage School of Health is poised to expand opportunities for students while meeting urgent workforce needs across the healthcare sector.

Beginning in summer 2025, a School of Health taskforce spearheaded outreach with healthcare industry leaders from across the region to learn more about critical skills and workforce gaps. These conversations are directly influencing how School of Health faculty develop new programs and train students to enter the workforce.

They are also laying the groundwork for strong College-employer partnerships across the region. The first such partnership, cemented in August 2025, is with Froedtert South, which will provide up to three years of scholarship support to select nursing students who commit to an equal number of years of employment following graduation.

Endowed Scholarships

An endowed fund has a significant, long-term impact; contributions are invested, and earnings provide scholarships in perpetuity for generations of future students. Endowments grow over time and typically yield 4.5% to 5.5% to fund scholarships each year.