2025 Donor Impact Report

“Today we are only marking the date on the calendar, merely reminding ourselves of what has happened here through these one hundred years, thinking with gratitude of those far-sighted, generous men, generous with time and labor as well as money, who started and sustained this College. But we leave the fuller story of what they wrought through the years until the sons and daughters of Marietta and Marietta College can assemble and witness by their loyal enthusiasm to their gratitude and affection for the College which has never failed through the years to keep its place in the hearts of those who have lived in it or in its shadow.”

— Marietta College President Edward Smith Parsons (1919–1935)
during the Founders Day Exercises, February 14, 1935.

Marietta’s story has always been one of bold ambition, resilience, and the belief that education changes lives. As we look back on the 2024–25 fiscal year, I am truly grateful for the thousands of alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends whose generosity continues to strengthen every part of the Marietta experience. This donor impact report offers a glimpse into how meaningful and how appreciated your contributions are to our campus community.

Your investment is visible in classrooms where faculty spark curiosity, in labs where students test theories and push boundaries, and across campus where experiential learning turns possibility into purpose. Your gifts enrich co-curricular and extracurricular programs, allowing students to lead, collaborate, and grow beyond the traditional academic setting. From athletics and student organizations to internships and undergraduate research, the impact of donor generosity is felt daily in the lives of today’s Pioneers.

For nearly two centuries, Marietta has prepared thoughtful leaders and engaged citizens. That legacy endures because donors like you believe in our mission. As we embrace the promise of More History To Make, your support ensures that every Pioneer benefits from a rigorous education and a vibrant community that nurtures their passions, well-being, and sense of what is possible.

Thank you for opening doors, expanding opportunities, and helping every student imagine a brighter future. Because of you, this year was filled with new possibilities, and the next chapter of Marietta’s history is already being written.

With gratitude,

Bethany McFarland Leslie ’12
Vice President for Advancement

Financial Snapshot: Stewardship, Stability, and Impact

A Year of Meaningful Progress

Fiscal Year 2024–25 (FY25) marked a clear turning point. Through disciplined financial management, difficult but necessary decisions, and the generosity of our donors, the College made measurable progress toward greater stability while continuing to advance its mission.

This snapshot highlights key indicators from our most recent audited financial statements to provide transparency, build trust, and demonstrate the impact and ongoing importance of philanthropic support.

Financial Strength and Momentum

In FY25, Marietta College achieved a meaningful turning point in its financial position following several challenging years.

The College reported a positive change in total net assets of $11.2 million, driven largely by the extraordinary generosity of our donors. This philanthropic support is helping stabilize the institution and build momentum as we continue the important work of strengthening Marietta’s long-term financial health.
We restored compliance with all financial debt covenants and increased financial assets available for near-term operating needs.
Donor-restricted assets continue to support scholarships, faculty, academic programs, and long-term sustainability.

Why this matters: These results signal renewed financial resilience. Marietta is on firmer footing today than one year ago and is better positioned to manage risk, plan responsibly, and invest in students and academic excellence. Donor investment is playing a direct role in strengthening the College, not simply filling short-term gaps.

Responsible Stewardship of Resources

During FY25, the College implemented careful, values driven cost controls.

Total operating expenses declined by approximately $4 million compared to the prior year.
Reductions were achieved through:
- Strategic staffing adjustments
- Sunsetting underperforming academic programs
- Tighter budget oversight and expense controls

These actions were taken thoughtfully to preserve academic quality and student support while aligning spending with long term sustainability.

Our commitment: We are focused on being lean, disciplined, and mission aligned, never cutting in ways that compromise the student experience.

Where Marietta College’s Support Comes From

Philanthropy and endowment support together represent 47.2% of Marietta College’s annual operating revenue, making donor investment the single most significant source of institutional support. Tuition and auxiliary revenues remain essential, but generosity from donors plays a decisive role in sustaining student access, academic quality, and financial stability.

Primary Revenue Sources

Key takeaway: Philanthropy is essential. Donor support directly strengthens financial aid, academic programs, faculty excellence, and the College’s ability to navigate change.

How Resources Are Used

Nearly 50% of all expenses support faculty and staff, underscoring Marietta’s people-centered mission.

Progress Powered by Philanthropy

FY25 represents real progress, but it is not an endpoint.

Like many colleges, Marietta continues to rely on a combination of philanthropy, endowment support, and careful financial management to navigate transition and invest in the future. Generous giving directly fuels:

Student access and affordability
Academic innovation and program strength
Financial stability during a period of transformation

Your partnership makes this progress possible and sustainable.

Thank you for investing in Marietta College and helping write our next chapter with confidence and purpose.

All financial information presented is drawn from the College’s audited financial statements for FY25.
Percentages derived from audited financial statements; totals may vary slightly due to rounding.

Total Gifts Received in FY25: $16,121,487 (excluding pledges)

Support That Endures

The generosity of more than 2,717 alumni and friends made FY25 one of the strongest fundraising years in Marietta College’s 190-year history — generating more than $16.1 million in cash received. This extraordinary support reflects a deep belief in Marietta’s mission and a shared commitment to helping today’s students thrive.

Endowment Highlights

Total Endowment Received: $1,533,564
Scholarships & Awards: $1,004,364
Other Endowment Support: $529,200
Market Value (June 30, 2025): $93,958,817

Endowment Allocation

Total Marietta Fund (Received): $3,837,812.46

Student Priorities: $3,166,352
Student Aid: $626,693.30
Pioneer Club: $25,162.50
Women’s Sports Fund: $19,604.42

Day of Giving 2025

A remarkable 1,021 alumni, students, parents, employees, and friends met the Trustee Challenge, raising a record-breaking $403,176 for The Marietta Fund in a 24-hour fund drive.

Planned Giving

Realized Planned Gifts: $5,325,773
New Planned Gift Commitments: $980,000

Transformative Gifts

FY25 was bookended by two transformational gifts from Pioneer Parents Joe P’97, H’10 and Linda Chlapaty, and Mike and Julie Milone P’12.

Early in the year, the Chlapatys announced the Chlapaty Challenge, a dollar-for-dollar match up to $500,000 for The Marietta Fund and committed $3 million to support the development of the More History To Make Strategic Plan.

The Milones strengthened the bridge between academic success and career readiness with a $1 million gift to fully fund the Milone Center for Academic and Career Success, creating an accessible, unified hub for student support.

The Chlapaty and the Milone gifts inspired a wave of additional unrestricted giving, which provided the basis for other important improvement projects, including new flooring for Ban Johnson Arena and the Rickey Science Center, key mechanical upgrades in the Dyson Baudo Recreation Center, Rickey, and the Anderson Hancock Planetarium, and new turf for the softball field.

Carrying the Marietta Legacy Forward

Operational Strengthening

Marietta continues to strengthen its financial foundation through careful management and operational efficiency. In FY25, the College realized a positive change in total net assets of $11.2 million, supported by priority-based philanthropy and improved fiscal discipline. Multiyear restructuring efforts also generated $2.6 million in salary and wage efficiencies ($4.2 million including benefits). These gains enhance stability today and allow us to direct more resources toward the student experience.

Telling Our Story —
The President’s Pioneer Tour

This year also marked an exciting leadership moment. Dr. Kathleen Poorman Dougherty began her role on January 1, 2025, and was named Marietta’s 21st president in August. With donor support, she launched a 10-city President’s Pioneer Tour, reconnecting with alumni, sharing her vision for the College, and reinforcing the momentum that defined FY25.

Positive feedback from attendees: “The President’s message stood out and resonated with me. She was honest, forthright, and composed when confronted with delicate and controversial concerns. She didn’t dodge topics nor did she sugarcoat them. Her relaxed demeanor and positive spirit when discussing Marietta’s present and future endeavors showed that she has good leadership skills. She spoke well of initiatives involving the college and the community.”

“President Dougherty’s emphasis on meeting and partnering with local businesses, to grow MC’s relationship with the Marietta community. Loved hearing that and feel it can only do good things for the school and city.”

“She knows her mission.”

“During this time of uncertainty, President Dougherty outlining the pillars of the strategic plan made me feel hopeful and excited about the future of Marietta College.”

“Dr. Dougherty presented a clear, student focused plan to return the College to fiscal heath, increase enrollment, and enhance student life. By recognizing the current needs of today’s students, how they communicate with each other and society, and evolving career paths, I believe the potential for MC to survive and thrive far into the future has improved. Elimination of majors with minimal interest and replacing them with programs in emerging technologies, changes in healthcare, environment and energy will open the college to multiple outside funding sources and potential students. I am grateful we had the opportunity to attend and reconnect with the College and friends.”

“President Dougherty’s talk about the direction and goals for Marietta. I like what I heard.”

The Bottom Line: Your Support Impacts Today’s Students

Your gifts fuel possibility — from financial aid to hands-on learning, from research achievements to global opportunities. Every student, every program, and every Pioneer benefits.

Marietta College is stronger because of you — and together, we will continue to make history.

“I am very thankful for all the support I get from scholarships and from people who believe in students like me. Your generosity helps us pursue research, internships, and opportunities that shape our futures. We are so grateful for your support.”

— Adrienne Hammontree ’26
Planetary Science & Geology major
Investigative Studies Fellow
Howsmon–Keyes Experiential Award (2025)
Dr. Fred Voner Memorial Award (2025)

My efforts at Marietta College were predominantly spent in the library, out on the mall promoting club events, and around various offices and administrative departments that were all supported by donor funding. This funding allowed me to get a well-rounded, diverse college experience and gave me life skills that have made me a better student, researcher, and overall person. The Rickey Scholarship wasn’t the only reason I chose Marietta, but it absolutely made attending the college a real possibility for me. It lifted a major financial burden from my family and allowed me to pursue my degrees without any tuition expenses. The education, networking and alumni connections, and lifelong friends I made from this generous funding are things I will forever treasure and be grateful for.”

— Colin Walters ’25
Physics & Mathematics major
Rickey Scholar
Thrash-Henderson Mathematics Experiential Education Award Recipient (2025)

YOUR INVESTMENT IN ACTION