SHE WILL Campaign Chair, Ruth Knox, Leads $2 Million Family Commitment to Provide Academic and Athletic Opportunities to Wesleyan College Students

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mai8nvlNBc

MACON, GA — Wesleyan College President Emerita and SHE WILL campaign chair Ruth Knox ’75, together with her family and the foundation established by her parents, has made a $1 million gift to support the Porter Gymnasium project. In addition, Ruth and her family have committed another $1 million toward capital improvements as well as scholarships and other campaign initiatives that enhance opportunities for students and faculty.

     “A gift of this magnitude reinforces to me, and to our community, the power of philanthropy to impact the lives of thousands of young women as they pursue their path at Wesleyan,” said Wesleyan President Meaghan Blight.  “Ruth’s personal commitment to the college has and continues to make opportunities possible for young women who might have thought a degree was out of reach. Ruth has made it within their grasp, and for that, we are grateful.”  

      As an alumna, one of fifteen women in her family to have attended Wesleyan, and a former college athlete herself, Knox recognizes the value of ensuring that young women have every opportunity to participate in sports.  

     “The leadership and teamwork skills I developed at Wesleyan, including through class sports competitions, have served me well throughout my career,” said Knox.  “The SHE WILL campaign is about giving others the chance to learn, improve, and experience success, on the court and in life.” 

     The Knox family’s $2 million gift will support renovations to Porter Gym, a nearly 100-year-old focal point of campus that has been a place of competition, celebration, and connection for generations of Wesleyan students. The multi-faceted gift also supports student scholarships, the recent renovations to Hightower Hall, and the Wesleyan Fund, helping each year to provide the best possible college experience for students. 

     “Porter Gym holds so many memories for me. From playing basketball and swimming with Naiads to acquiring new skills in sports like soccer, volleyball, and golf (and even rehearsing for STUNT and registering for classes at tables set up on the court), I loved every minute in that marvelous building. My appreciation grew even stronger through my years as President and continues still.  It's one of the many reasons I give back to Wesleyan,” said Knox of her decision to support the SHE WILL campaign and its current capital priority, Porter Gym. 

     As the daughter of alumna Ruth Hall Knox, Class of 1940, and trustee Robert Edward Knox, Knox’s connection to Wesleyan spans generations. Through her own service on the Alumnae Board of Managers, as a member and chair of the Board of Trustees, and as Wesleyan’s 24th president - the first alumna to hold the office - she has demonstrated a decades-long commitment to the College.  This most recent gift of her time and resources continues both Ruth’s and her family’s enduring belief in and support of Wesleyan College and future generations of students. 

     The campaign for Porter Gym has raised over $6.4 million of the $9 million needed to break ground and complete the total renovation.  Knox has a message for the community, especially alumnae: “Let's cross the finish line together. Let's bring Porter Gym back to life so future Wesleyan women can play where we once played and carry our legacy forward.” 

     Carrying on that legacy 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.  

      In her role as president for 15 years, Knox oversaw significant capital projects, including the Munroe Science Center, the renovation of Taylor Hall into a LEED Gold–certified facility, Pierce Chapel, and the first phase of Willet Library.  She also expanded the college’s endowment and academic offerings as well as increased scholarship support for students.  Prior to serving as president, Knox built a successful legal practice while also taking on leadership roles on numerous civic, educational, and nonprofit boards at the regional, state, and national levels. Her leadership, in every arena, informs her legacy of which Wesleyan is proud to be a part. 

     “Ruth’s achievements, within Wesleyan and beyond, reflect the impact of this institution. She is our greatest ambassador and her continued leadership, both as chair of and donor to the SHE WILL Campaign, embodies the connections that have buoyed us over nearly 200 years,” said President Blight.  “Wesleyan is a long-standing sisterhood of strong leaders who have used their voices and their talents to encourage others. And that encourages us. This campaign is our commitment to continuing the leadership legacy of women like Ruth and the lasting impact of a Wesleyan education.”  

     As the SHE WILL Campaign moves forward, having secured over $43 million of its $61 million goal, Wesleyan invites alumnae and supporters to join us in shaping a future that continues to accelerate equality for women.