DePauw Stories

DePauw University is proud to announce a $10 million matching challenge gift for student scholarships initiated by Steve and Karen Sanger, both members of the Class of 1968. This momentous contribution will anchor The DePauw Promise, the university’s commitment to making its world-class education accessible and affordable for talented students from all backgrounds.

Inspired by DePauw’s long-term strategy to meet students' full financial need, the Sangers’ challenge invites the extended DePauw community to join them in transforming students’ lives by supporting their access to scholarships and financial aid. Every contribution made in response to this challenge will unlock additional funding from the Sangers’ matching gift, extending its reach and multiplying its impact.

“This commitment Steve and Karen have demonstrated to DePauw and to our students is incredible,” said Lori S. White, the university’s president. “They understand from personal experience the impact of a DePauw education, and their gift ensures that succeeding generations of scholars will have greater access to DePauw’s transformative education. The Sangers’ challenge is a generous and inspiring contribution toward The DePauw Promise and toward our future as a university.”

The Sangers’ matching challenge gift reinforces their existing legacy of philanthropy, which includes a previous $20 million gift to launch DePauw’s Sanger Leadership Initiative. Together, the Sangers have consistently demonstrated steadfast support for their alma mater and all the students who follow in their footsteps.

The Sangers’ contribution toward The DePauw Promise coincides with the university’s focus on growing resources to support financial aid. This priority is also at the heart of the recently launched Bold, Gold & You! campaign, a pillar of which is to increase the level of endowed scholarships available to students.

Ready to take on the challenge and join the Sangers in their commitment to making a DePauw education accessible to talented students? Reach out to Reilly Anderson, development coordinator, at 765-658-4208 or reillyanderson@depauw.edu.