Fundraising Initiative Completed Ahead of Schedule

Washington College completed its Bridge Project at the end of 2023, more than four months before the goal.

On October 8, 2022, in his inaugural address to the Washington College community, President Mike Sosulski announced a fundraising effort called “The Bridge Project,” an ambitious and forward-thinking initiative seeking to raise $100 million in two years – to be completed by May of 2024. 

Washington College is delighted to announce that as of December 31, 2023, we have successfully completed this effort more than four months ahead of schedule.

The Bridge Project was coined for the ways in which these investment dollars will “bridge” together the College’s previous strategic plan with the implementation of the new strategic framework, launched in January of 2023.

Centered around enhancing the lived experience of the Washington College students, The Bridge Project outlined specific goals, including:

• making enhancements to the campus, such as the renovation of the library terrace
• investing in the Department of Business Management
• endowing faculty positions and faculty chairs
• expanding athletic programs, such as the recently launched men’s and women’s golf, cross country and track and field programs
• making renovations to the residence halls
• increasing investments in student security
• improving accessibility, safety, and inclusivity throughout campus.

The Bridge Project seamlessly connected the College’s previous strategic direction with President Sosulski’s vision for the future and has served as a springboard to recent notable improvements and successes at Washington College. In addition to meeting the goals of The Bridge Project’s fundraising, the effort also contributed to advancements in admissions recruiting, marketing and communications, and campus beautification.

The most sizable piece of The Bridge Project is the historic gift from the Hodson Trust totaling approximately $56 million, which will directly improve the College's ability to reduce student debt by increasing support for student scholarships and grants. As a result of The Bridge Project, Washington College’s endowment today is $325 million and its financial future is strong.

“We are grateful to our alumni, parents and friends who invest in the College’s mission and have made these transformational accomplishments possible,” said Susie Chase, vice president for advancement, alumni and constituent engagement. “With sustained help of our many wonderful donors and alumni, we will continue to accelerate our efforts to lift this entire College and the greater community towards a bold vision for the future of liberal arts education.”