LEXINGTON, Ky. — Transylvania University has received a historic $10 million commitment in support of the W.T. Young Scholars Program and The Transylvania Fund, marking the largest gift in the university's 246-year history.

An anonymous donor committed $9 million to further endow, strengthen and sustain the W.T. Young Scholars Program, along with a potential additional $1 million in matching funds contingent on contributions from Young Scholar alumni. The gift comes as the university prepares for its 250th anniversary campaign leading up to a 2030 celebration.

The W.T. Young Scholarship, established by businessman William T. Young, was a transformative program that made Transylvania the first college in Kentucky to offer full coverage of tuition, room, board and a stipend to a select group of incoming first-year students. The first class of 10 Young Scholars began in 1982, and since then more than 800 students have benefited from the program.

"This transformational gift reflects a deep belief in the future of Transylvania University and in the life-changing power of a Transylvania education," President Brien Lewis said. "The W.T. Young Scholars Program has changed the lives of generations of students, and this extraordinary commitment ensures that legacy will continue to inspire and support exceptional young leaders for years to come."

Today, the W.T. Young Scholarship remains one of the university's most prestigious and competitive honors, awarded solely on merit to recognize students with exceptional academic achievement, leadership and promise. Recipients are selected regardless of financial need, reflecting the program's commitment to identifying and educating Kentucky's brightest students while attracting outstanding students from across the country.

Transylvania, located in downtown Lexington, is consistently ranked among the nation's top liberal arts colleges. The university also invites W.T. Young Scholar alumni to join the effort in recognition of the upcoming 250th anniversary by helping future students receive scholarship opportunities.