Alice Lloyd College is honored to announce a $10 million endowment gift from The Bill Gatton Foundation. This remarkable contribution, the largest endowment gift in the College’s history, will bolster ALC’s mission of providing post-graduate opportunities for young people who desire to return to the Appalachian region.
This unprecedented gift is a testament to the legacy of Mr. Bill Gatton, and the Foundation’s work to continue his vision of providing education in Appalachia. This extraordinary support will strengthen the College’s endowment and expand educational opportunities for Appalachian students.
Over 100 years ago, Mrs. Lloyd founded Caney Junior College (later renamed Alice Lloyd College) with the vision to return highly educated Appalachian natives back to the region to become the catalysts for change. Today, that vision is continued through the College’s unique scholars program, which financially supports ALC graduates to continue through graduate or professional school. Students who receive these scholarships are encouraged to return to the region, and 83% do!
In addition to the graduation scholarship program, the endowed gift will also support the Caney Cottage residence hall in Lexington, Kentucky. This residence hall has been and will continue to be a haven and home for ALC graduates pursuing graduate degrees at The University of Kentucky.
“We are incredibly grateful and appreciative to The Bill Gatton Foundation and its trustees for this historic grant,” said President Jim Stepp. “We are honored to partner with the foundation to carry on Mr. Gatton’s legacy of leadership, entrepreneurship, and hard work.”
The Bill Gatton Foundation has been a long-time supporter of education, and this landmark gift will have a lasting impact on ALC’s ability to equip future leaders for a lifetime of service.