$1 Million Gift from Alexis Bighley Fuels the Future of Women’s Leadership at Wesleyan

MACON, GA — With a $1 million commitment to Wesleyan College’s SHE WILL Campaign, alumna and trustee Alexis Xides Bighley ’67 is once again leading from the front. 

     Bighley’s gift brings renewed energy to the SHE WILL Campaign, which has now surpassed raising more than $42 million toward its $61 million goal. Her investment comes at a pivotal moment as Wesleyan continues to expand access, enhance campus life, and reimagine leadership opportunities for its students.

     “This campaign isn’t just about fundraising; it’s about changing lives,” said Bighley. “Every dollar is a commitment to the next generation of bold, confident women leaders.”

      Bighley’s $1 million gift will sustain and expand initiatives, including the Wesleyan Leadership Lab, the CEO Institute, and the Wolf-Den Pitch Contest.  Together, these programs provide students with hands-on leadership training, entrepreneurial experience, and meaningful career preparation beyond the classroom - all hallmarks of a Wesleyan education. 

    Reflecting on the role Wesleyan played in shaping her own life, Bighley emphasized the transformative power of the College’s mission.  

     “Wesleyan gave me the foundation I needed to think out of the box, and for that I’m forever grateful,” she said.  “Wesleyan exists to give women an opportunity not only to find themselves, but to develop confidence and pursue a profession that makes their heart sing.”

     That vision is at the heart of the SHE WILL Campaign, Wesleyan’s largest-ever fundraising effort, which focuses on three strategic priorities:

• Pursue Her Path:  Expanding scholarships, faculty support, and student life and leadership opportunities. 

• Have a Place to Call Home:  Revitalizing historic residence halls and communal spaces to best meet the needs of today’s students. 

• Find Her Voice:  Reimagining leadership and community spaces, including Porter Gym

Together, these priorities represent a bold investment in Wesleyan’s future. 

“I’ve always believed that when you’ve been blessed, you have a responsibility to give back, and for me, that means ensuring Wesleyan continues to thrive for generations to come,” said Bighley.  

     Bighley’s impact on Wesleyan spans decades. As a trustee since 1989, founder of the Summer Leadership Institute, donor of the Bill Maravelas and Frances Hook Scholarship for Art, and a pioneer in women’s entrepreneurship education, she has long championed programs that prepare students to lead with vision and confidence.  A successful entrepreneur who founded three companies, Bighley’s legacy is embodied in the Alexis Xides Bighley Center for Engagement at the Wesleyan Leadership Lab.

     “With leadership gifts like Alexis’s, Wesleyan is building momentum that will shape our future for generations to come,” said Wesleyan President Meaghan Blight.  “Her commitment reflects the transformative power of a Wesleyan education - preparing women to lead with confidence, find their voice, and make a lasting impact.” 

     As the SHE WILL Campaign moves forward, Wesleyan invites alumnae and supporters to join us in shaping a future that continues to accelerate equality for women.