NOTE: The College's 2019-20 Annual Report is now available online.
Andrew Withrow began a lifetime of support for Wilmington College with a $20 annual gift soon after his graduation in 1958. That support evolved to $1 million from him and his wife, Catherine, in 2008, which then represented WC's largest non-planned gift ever received. The couple's $13.5 million estate gift in 2020 shattered previous records and ushered in opportunities that will resonate throughout the institution for decades.
PICTURED: Andrew and Catherine Withrow are pictured at WC in 2008.
The College honored the Withrows posthumously as 2020 Philanthropists-of-the-Year at the annual Philanthropic Leadership Dinner held virtually Oct. 16. Next year, the Center for the Sciences & Agriculture, which opened as the College's largest academic building in 2016, will be dedicated, in honor of the couple, as the Withrow Center for Agricultural, Life and Physical Sciences.
Matt Wahrhaftig, vice president for advancement, introduced the Withrows' legacy of giving as having a "transformational impact" on the College. Several of the couple's close Wilmington College friends shared recollections of their time together.
Paul Frank, Class of '59, recalled meeting Andy his freshman year as Withrow recruited him to join Sigma Zeta fraternity. In Greek lingo, Withrow became Frank's "big brother," and those bonds of friendship and brotherhood lasted a lifetime.
"Andy was always kind, caring and supportive," he said.
Withrow shared years ago he came to WC with a less-than-stellar high school academic record. yet, ultimately, he excelled at the College. "Andy told me on many occasions that Wilmington College gave him a chance," he said. "The College became his friend and he wanted to give back. His friendship with the College never ended."
James, Class of '58, and Edna (Shackelford), Class of '61, Landon also shared fond memories of the Withrows.
"Andy and I came to Wilmington College as freshmen in fall 1954," said James. "We pledged Sigma Zeta and our friendship really grew. When I got my draft notice, Andy threw a party for me on his uncle's houseboat, cruising on the Ohio River. I'll never forget that!"
Edna recalled the numerous times over the years the Wilmington College group got together for vacations and gatherings at each other's homes. They often included the Withrows, Landons and Franks, along with fraternity brothers, John Kraynek, Class of '59, and Charles Seipelt, Class of '57, and their spouses.
"Cathy was a sweetheart," Edna added. "They loved hosting their friends at their home." James concurred. "Cathy was a dear, dear lady," he said, noting he's not surprised by the level to which the Withrows supported the College. "Andy and Cathy were the kind of people that took a lot of pride and joy in helping others.
"Andy loved Wilmington!"
The Philanthropic Leadership Dinner annually recognizes donors for the impact their support has upon WC students and this year, albeit virtually, was no different. Numerous students expressed their appreciation while appearing in video vignettes highlighted by a more extensive one featuring senior Ipsilan "Ipsi" Castillo, a Quaker student from Costa Rica studying early childhood education and intervention.
"For me, it was love at first sight," she said about her first visit to WC. "I felt it would be a good fit for me — and it has been!"
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View the 2019-20 Annual Report online at www.wilmington.edu/alumni.[/caption]
Christine Hadley Snyder, Board of Trustees chair emeritus, and Wahrhaftig announced 17 new members of the Sam Marble Giving Society. These are alumni and friends who have included the College in their estate plans, a trust or other planned giving vehicle, or through the establishment of an endowed fund. The group, with includes some who wish to remain anonymous, features: Brian Arment '64, David and Judith Cahall '69, Ned and Margaret '60 Katterheinrich, Iris McKinley '51, Martha Custis Merry '83 and David Merry, David Robinson '65, James Stewart '65 and Jamie Borror Zapala '14.
"These new members demonstrate their faith in the mission of the College and they have a vested interest in the future of the College," Snyder added.
Justin '03 and Ariana '04 Newman have been Marble Society members for several years. They encouraged other young alumni to support the College. "Planned giving is a way to make an impact on an institution maybe several decades down the road," he said. "We've included Wilmington College in our estate plans in recognition of the transformative impact it's had on our lives."
Wahrhaftig concluded the program by expressing the College's gratitude for the "powerful gifts of time, talent and treasure given by alumni and friends for ensuring the future of Wilmington College."
View the 2019-20 Annual Report online at www.wilmington.edu/alumni.[/caption]
Christine Hadley Snyder, Board of Trustees chair emeritus, and Wahrhaftig announced 17 new members of the Sam Marble Giving Society. These are alumni and friends who have included the College in their estate plans, a trust or other planned giving vehicle, or through the establishment of an endowed fund. The group, with includes some who wish to remain anonymous, features: Brian Arment '64, David and Judith Cahall '69, Ned and Margaret '60 Katterheinrich, Iris McKinley '51, Martha Custis Merry '83 and David Merry, David Robinson '65, James Stewart '65 and Jamie Borror Zapala '14.
"These new members demonstrate their faith in the mission of the College and they have a vested interest in the future of the College," Snyder added.
Justin '03 and Ariana '04 Newman have been Marble Society members for several years. They encouraged other young alumni to support the College. "Planned giving is a way to make an impact on an institution maybe several decades down the road," he said. "We've included Wilmington College in our estate plans in recognition of the transformative impact it's had on our lives."
Wahrhaftig concluded the program by expressing the College's gratitude for the "powerful gifts of time, talent and treasure given by alumni and friends for ensuring the future of Wilmington College."