More than 8,200 Pomona College alumni, families and friends contributed $63.8 million in gifts and pledges during the 2025-26 fiscal year, making it the second-largest fundraising year in the College’s history and extending an unprecedented three-year streak of record-breaking philanthropic support.
“This achievement reflects the extraordinary commitment of the Pomona community to the College’s mission and future,” says Janet Benton ’79, chair of Pomona College’s Board of Trustees. “We are deeply grateful to President Gabrielle Starr for her bold vision and steadfast leadership, and to Vice President Maria Watson and the advancement team for their strategic guidance and dedication.”
“This collective effort has strengthened every corner of the Pomona experience and would not be possible without the remarkable service and commitment of our donors and volunteers.”
Pomona College President G. Gabrielle Starr adds: “This has been a remarkable year for the College, made possible by a community that continues to meet this moment with extraordinary generosity and purpose. What we have accomplished together gives us tremendous momentum—and an extraordinary foundation from which to imagine what comes next.”
“Pomona’s greatest possibilities are still ahead of us.”
Opening Doors Through Access and Opportunity
During the 2025-26 academic year, 970 students received more than $68 million in financial aid. More than half of Pomona students received need-based financial aid, reflecting the College’s commitment to ensuring that financial circumstances do not determine access to a Pomona education.
“Every talented student should be able to picture themselves at Pomona, regardless of their financial circumstances,” says Jonathan B. Williams, vice president and dean of admissions and financial aid. “We have a responsibility to help students see that they belong here and to ensure that cost is never a barrier to the life-changing opportunities a Pomona education provides.”
Expanding a World of Possibilities
As the Pomona community bids farewell to the Oldenborg Center, philanthropic support is helping shape its next chapter through the Center for Global Engagement, expanded international programming and Global Gateways, a new faculty-led study-away initiative designed to make global learning accessible to more students.
Over the past year, more than 230 students participated in study-away opportunities, including a record 110 students who spent the fall semester abroad in countries including Brazil, Morocco, Sweden and Taiwan.
“About half of Pomona students study away during their time at the College—five times the national average,” says Kara Godwin, assistant vice president and chief global officer. “We are committed to expanding those opportunities so even more students can engage in the transformative learning experiences that has long defined a Pomona education.”
Learning Beyond the Classroom
In summer 2025, more than 240 students participated in the Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP), collaborating closely with faculty mentors to pursue original research and creative inquiry. Nearly 100 students received funding through the Pomona College Internship Program (PCIP), gaining valuable professional experience while exploring career interests and building networks.
Together, these programs help students translate classroom learning into real-world experience, providing the support they need to pursue research and internship opportunities without financial barriers.
“These gifts have touched nearly every aspect of the College, but their significance reaches far beyond any fundraising milestone,” Watson, vice president for advancement, says. “At their heart are people who believe deeply in the College and in what a Pomona education can make possible.”
“We are profoundly grateful to the thousands of alumni, families and friends whose generosity is opening doors for students today while ensuring that generations of Sagehens will have the same opportunity to learn, discover and thrive.”
Join fellow alumni, families and friends in shaping Pomona’s future. Make your gift today.