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Alumni Give Back in a Big Way: $13 Million to Support Scholarships at WPI

Two anonymous alumni make long-term commitments to expand access, affordability, and opportunity for future generations of students
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February 2, 2026

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has received multimillion-dollar gifts from two alumni totaling $13 million, representing significant financial commitments that will be dedicated to student scholarships. The donors, who wish to remain anonymous, credit the college with shaping their careers, broadening their worldviews, and instilling in them a lifelong commitment to learning and service. Their gifts are meant to extend such life-changing opportunities to future students.

“These extraordinary commitments reflect the enduring bond our alumni feel with WPI and their belief in the power of a WPI education to transform lives,” said WPI President Grace Wang. “By investing in scholarships, they are creating a legacy that provides for the future, opening doors for talented students and ensuring that a WPI education remains accessible for generations to come.” 

Both gifts—one from an alumnus and his wife, and another from an alumna and her husband—will reduce financial barriers and expand access for deserving students in need. Committed as bequests, the funds are structured as long-term financial commitments, providing sustained support over time.

Beginning Quote Icon of beginning quote
These extraordinary commitments reflect the enduring bond our alumni feel with WPI and their belief in the power of a WPI education to transform lives. By investing in scholarships, they are creating a legacy that provides for the future, opening doors for talented students and ensuring that a WPI education remains accessible for generations to come. Beginning Quote Icon of beginning quote
  • WPI President Grace Wang

One donor couple shared that their decision to give back was deeply personal. They credited WPI with providing support and opportunities that changed the trajectory of their lives and now want to pay that forward by helping other students.

The second couple, emphasizing the ripple effect of investing in students, said they “hope to ensure that future students have the access and support they need—and that they, in turn, can give back in their own meaningful ways.” 

Along with a $3 million gift from Paul Covec ’64 to stimulate growth in student and faculty startups, these gifts represent major investments in the future success of WPI and its students and support Beyond These Towers: The Campaign for Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

The most ambitious fundraising campaign in WPI’s history, the initiative positions the university to continue to transform lives, to turn knowledge into action to confront global challenges, and to revolutionize STEM through its distinctive and inclusive education, projects, and research. The campaign’s theme honors the towers of WPI’s first two buildings and enduring symbols of its guiding philosophy of theory and practice. Through the campaign, alumni and friends have supported undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and world-changing research, global programs, facilities, and a thriving campus community.

To support Beyond These Towers: The Campaign for Worcester Polytechnic Institute, visit wpi.edu/+give.

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