Late Legendary Coach Funds Transformational Initiative
Wilmington College has received the largest gift in its 155-year history—a $23 million designated contribution from longtime head women’s basketball coach and professor of accounting, Jerry Scheve. This transformational gift reflects a lifetime of service, leadership, and belief in the mission and future of the institution.
Coach Scheve, who led the women’s basketball team to a national championship in 2004 and mentored generations of students both on and off the court, made this commitment during his lifetime. The gift embodies his personal values and the culture he helped shape—one rooted in discipline, humility, and purpose.
Focused on athletic excellence, peace programming, and international affairs, the gift will establish the Scheve Athletic Center, and within it, a new Hall of Champions, as well as the Jenna Parlette Running Center—ensuring that student-athletes have access to the same tools and inspiration that once drove his championship teams. At the same time, the gift expands Wilmington’s historic Quaker commitment to peace and conflict resolution, and bolsters global learning opportunities that prepare students to lead in an interconnected world. Coach Scheve’s enduring mantra—“Play with the poise and intensity of a national championship team”—now serves as both a reflection of his legacy and a call to action for Wilmington College. This is more than a gift. It’s a defining moment—one that honors our past, accelerates our mission, and calls us to live up to the values that shaped his extraordinary life.
“Play with the poise and intensity of a national championship team.” - Jerry Scheve
Wilmington College Receives Record $23 Million Gift
Late Legendary Coach Jerry Scheve Designates Funds Focused on Athletics Excellence, Peace Programming and International Affairs
In a moment that will shape Wilmington College for generations, the institution announces the largest gift in its history. College officials described Jerry Scheve’s record $23 million gift as “transformational” in positioning the institution for continued success in serving its students.
“Just as he did as a national championship coach, his gift will inspire students for lives of service and success.”
- Daniel J. Buckley
“It comes from someone who gave his life to Wilmington College, and who understood exactly what this community could become."
- Corey Cockerill
“It truly touches all of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, programs and physical spaces."
- Matt Croci
President Lauds Coach's Magnanimous Gesture
President Corey Cockerill spoke on how this transformational gift reflects Jerry Scheve's lifetime of service, leadership and unwavering belief in the mission and future of Wilmington College.
Board Chair Describes $23M Gift as a 'Cornerstone' for the College's Future
Board of Trustees Chair Daniel Buckley said the record gift will inspire students to pursue lives of service and success. He praised Jerry Scheve's foresight and generosity.
Purpose Can't Wait
At Wilmington College, we believe that purpose isn’t something to be postponed — it’s something to be pursued with passion and urgency. Built for Purpose,our institution thrives on empowering students, strengthening our community, and redefining the future of education. The Purpose Can’t Wait campaign is more than an initiative—it’s a call to action for all who believe in the power of education to change lives.
