Champlain College sign in front of Skiff Hall in spring

The donation is a vote of confidence in new president Alex Hernandez and Champlain College’s career-forward education.

Champlain College, a private, non-profit institution and recognized leader in career-forward education, has received $1 million from an anonymous donor.

The gift is a demonstration of confidence in the incoming tenth president, Alex Hernandez, and supports the college’s new strategic plan: R/Evolutionary 2030 Strategic Plan. Champlain College, known for its innovative, experiential, and interdisciplinary approach to higher education, prepares students to succeed in high-growth, high-demand careers.

Hernandez, who started his term on Monday, June 6, said, “Champlain’s radically pragmatic education is transformative for students and this gift provides important momentum as we seek to increase our impact and support a thriving Vermont.”

Alex Hernandez talking with nuharbor security staff
Champlain College’s partnership with NuHarbor Security, a Colchester-based cybersecurity company, is just one example of how Champlain serves as an economic engine for Vermont. President Hernandez visited the company, which is comprised of nearly 50% of Champlain graduates and current students, during his first week in office.

The R/Evolutionary Champlain 2030 strategic plan, developed by members of the greater Champlain community, focuses on three major priorities:

  • Build Innovative Academic Programs: Put Champlain at the forefront of career-focused, experiential learning with new programs and investments in the academic experience, including a major expansion into the biological and life sciences.

  • Be an Economic Engine for Vermont: Create diverse talent pipelines and develop innovative employer partnerships to help Vermont grow and thrive.

  • Invest in the Champlain Community: Foster a welcoming, supportive, and just community while attracting students from diverse backgrounds, expanding scholarships, celebrating student success, prioritizing wellbeing, and engaging the college’s talented faculty and staff.

Champlain has a long history of responding to ever-changing needs in the workforce and acting as a pipeline of talent to Vermont’s businesses. Annual surveys of Champlain graduates’ career outcomes show that about 50 percent of Champlain’s graduating students remain in Vermont for their first career placement.

“The continued growth and evolution of Champlain College stems from the deep dedication of our faculty and staff,” Hernandez said, “and this contribution is a testament to their hard work, perseverance, and entrepreneurial spirit.”

Click here to see the news coverage in Vermont Business Magazine.

Interested in making a donation to Champlain College? You can do so here. We thank you in advance for your support.

Kaylee Sullivan

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