Davidson College alumni Greg McFayden and Shannon Walters McFayden have started a $100,000 donation challenge to increase student diversity at the school.
The McFaydens have witnessed considerable changes at Davidson since their graduation in the 1980s, being particularly impressed that the institution is accepting many more students from different ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
“Simply put, it’s better. The college has continued to evolve and grow, but it has accomplished this without sacrificing its core values and mission. In fact, it has continued to move closer to its core values with every passing year,” the couple stated in a school press release.
To ensure that the college continues to make college education accessible to more students, the McFaydens have decided to match the next $100,000 in donations to Davidson for the improvement of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
“We believe Davidson’s past and future success is a direct result of its ability to prepare students for the challenges awaiting them beyond the college campus,” the couple shared.
“This preparation requires students, faculty, staff, administrators, the president and our trustees to understand, appreciate and embrace a world that is diverse—to welcome and cherish all voices, regardless of race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, immigrant status or religion.”
Board-Level Inclusivity
Earlier this year, the Board of Trustees also enacted steps to promote diversity and inclusivity in university leadership when it approved certain revisions in its bylaws that concern eligibility for presidents and trustees.
The recent revision will now open the presidential position to candidates of any faith. It has also been decided that more seats on the board will be allocated regardless of religious affiliation.
“The college’s Christian foundation means we promote inclusivity, not exclusivity. To be inclusive, an institution must offer entry points to leadership, not barriers. After the bylaws were changed, we knew it was the right time to make a more significant investment in Davidson,” the McFaydens said.