Faculty, alumni and friends came together in 2025 to support Pomona College students, spark new ideas and strengthen its mission for generations to come.
As the year begins, Pomona College reflects on the extraordinary generosity that defined 2025 — a year marked by philanthropic momentum that propelled the College to the highest fundraising total in its 138-year history. Landmark gifts, visionary partnerships and personal commitments fueled academic innovation, expanded access and reaffirmed the promise of a liberal arts education.
“This was a year defined by bold ideas and the people who make them possible,” says Pomona College President G. Gabrielle Starr. “Our donors are not just supporting programs or buildings — they are investing in the future our students will inherit, and the world they will help shape.”
Stories that Shaped the Year
Among the many gifts celebrated in 2025, several stood out for their vision, their personal meaning and their impact on Pomona students:
Faculty Member’s Gift Broadens Student Opportunities
A decades-long bond between George Gorse, the Viola Horton Professor of Art History, and former student Julie Nicoletta ’87 led Gorse and his wife, Naomi Sawelson, to establish an endowed fund that honors Nicoletta’s legacy. By supporting global research and experiential learning for future art history scholars, Gorse says he hopes the fund “will ensure that her passion for art history and architectural studies continues to shape the lives of future scholars.”
Alumni Support Sustains Today’s Students
Ophthalmologist and humanitarian Dr. Richard Lee ’90 credits his Pomona experience with shaping his commitment to mentorship and service. Fueled by the College’s hands-on science labs and supportive faculty, Lee has spent decades teaching new generations of doctors and bringing vision care to underserved communities at home and abroad. Lee remains connected to Pomona through his continuous support of the Pomona Annual Fund, helping to provide the resources students rely on every day.
Powering the Next Chapter of Academic Excellence
In honor of her 60th reunion, Cynthia Chan Hull ’65 pledged a $1 million endowed bequest to support academic excellence and emerging priorities across campus. By making her gift unrestricted, Hull ensures Pomona has the flexibility to meet the evolving needs of each generation. Reflecting on Pomona’s evolution over the past six decades, she says it feels “increasingly important to support education.”
Bringing New Voices to Campus
The inaugural McWethy Lecture — funded by alumnus Andy McWethy ’63 — brought distinguished economist Asim Ijaz Khwaja to campus for a conversation that challenged students to rethink global development. His talk, “From Surviving to Thriving,” urged a shift from poverty alleviation to unlocking human potential through investment in people. Pomona will hold the second lecture in this series in fall 2026, with the speaker to be announced. Building on the series’ bold ambitions, the College aims to expand students’ access to leading thinkers across fields.
Looking Ahead
Donors at every level contributed to a culture of philanthropy that strengthens the College’s foundation and expands its reach. Their support ensures that Pomona can continue to attract exceptional students, recruit world-class faculty and invest in programs that prepare graduates to lead with purpose.
“These stories remind us that philanthropy is personal,” says Maria Watson, vice president for advancement. “Each gift reflects a belief — in Pomona’s mission, in our students and in the power of a liberal arts education.”
Make your gift today and be a part of the generosity that is shaping Pomona.