Gift of $1.5 Million from Joseph M. Bryan Jr. will Strengthen Endowment for Bryan Series
A gift of $1.5 million from Joseph M. Bryan Jr. ’60 will complete a $3.5 million endowment for Guilford’s popular lecture series that the Greensboro philanthropist established with a $1 million gift in 1994.
Bryan, who is chair of Guilford’s Board of Trustees, made the gift in support of the College’s Advancing Excellence campaign. In addition to his trustee leadership position, he serves as campaign chair. The gift was announced Oct. 14 at the President’s Gala on campus.
The gift for the Bryan Series Endowment increases Bryan’s lifetime giving to Guilford to $9 million and his commitment to Advancing Excellence to $2.8 million. The campaign is early in its public phase and has raised over $45 million toward a $60 million goal.
“Joe’s generosity has enabled Guilford to present for its students as well as the greater community a marvelous opportunity to engage with people who have changed the world,” said President Kent Chabotar. “Through Joe’s outstanding leadership and his generosity, Guilford has benefitted in many ways. As an alumnus and major benefactor, he is a tremendous asset to the College and we are most grateful.”
The Bryan Series presents five lectures each year by distinguished speakers in the arts, humanities and public affairs, including President Bill Clinton, Mikhail Gorbachev, Desmond Tutu, Sidney Poitier and Toni Morrison. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair opened this year’s series Oct. 4.
The Bryan Distinguished Visiting Professorship in the Arts Humanities and Public Affairs was established by a $1 million gift from Joseph M. Bryan Jr. and the former Kathleen Price Bryan Family Fund in 1994. Speaker events began in 1996 and the lectures became the “Bryan Series” in 2002. Series subscriptions have been sold out three of the past four years.
Advancing Excellence is Guilford’s comprehensive $60 million campaign to support the College endowment, facilities and annual operating expenses.
