{"id":11769,"date":"2026-03-06T10:17:59","date_gmt":"2026-03-06T16:17:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/news\/?p=11769"},"modified":"2026-03-06T10:17:59","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T16:17:59","slug":"sau-receives-transformational-4-5-million-gift-from-the-windgate-foundation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/news\/2026\/sau-receives-transformational-4-5-million-gift-from-the-windgate-foundation\/","title":{"rendered":"SAU receives transformational $4.5 million gift from the Windgate Foundation"},"content":{"rendered":"

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SAU receives transformational $4.5 million gift from the Windgate Foundation<\/h1>\n

Southern Arkansas University is proud to announce a transformational $4.5 million gift from the Windgate Foundation to establish the Windgate Scholars Program Scholarship Endowment, marking the largest single donor gift for scholarships in the University\u2019s history.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a defining day for Southern Arkansas University,\u201d said SAU President, Dr. Bruno Hicks. \u201cThe Windgate Foundation has long believed in the power of education to change lives, and this extraordinary gift ensures that belief will continue to open doors for students who might otherwise see college as out of reach. We are deeply grateful for Windgate\u2019s trust, generosity, and enduring commitment to our students.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Windgate Scholars Program Scholarship Endowment will provide ongoing support for need-based scholarships, with a dedicated portion of annual proceeds supporting Studio Art scholarships beginning in 2027. The endowment builds upon the Windgate Foundation\u2019s long-standing partnership with SAU and significantly expands its impact by creating a permanent source of scholarship support.<\/p>\n

We are deeply grateful for Windgate\u2019s trust, generosity, and enduring commitment to our students.<\/p>\n

– Dr. Bruno Hicks, SAU President<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\u201cThe SAU Foundation is deeply grateful for Windgate\u2019s enduring commitment to our students,\u201d said Steve Card, chair of the Southern Arkansas University Foundation Board of Governors. \u201cTheir past support has had a lasting impact across campus, and this endowment ensures that impact will continue year after year. It is a meaningful example of philanthropy that not only responds to today\u2019s needs but also thoughtfully plans for tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"At a time when rising costs and economic uncertainty are reshaping how students and families view higher education, this historic investment ensures that access to an SAU education will remain within reach for students with the greatest financial need for generations to come.<\/p>\n

Creating pathwa<\/strong>ys when they matter most<\/strong><\/p>\n

For many SAU students, including first-generation college students and those balancing work, family, and financial challenges, need-based scholarships are essential. The Windgate Scholars Program has enabled students from Arkansas, across the region, and beyond to persist, graduate, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.<\/p>\n

This historic investment also aligns with SAU\u2019s Mulerider Next Step Guarantee, a career-readiness initiative designed to prepare students for their careers after graduation. By reducing financial barriers, this investment directly supports student success and reinforces SAU\u2019s commitment to preparing students for graduate school or their future careers.<\/p>\n

With the establishment of the Windgate Scholars Program Scholarship Endowment, this gift stands as a powerful affirmation of Windgate\u2019s commitment to SAU, its students, and the enduring impact of generosity.<\/p>\n

A partnership rooted in impact<\/strong><\/p>\n

Since 2019, the Windgate Foundation has been a steadfast partner of SAU, supporting initiatives that reflect a shared commitment to access, creativity, and educational excellence. With more than $5.8 million in support, these investments have made a meaningful impact across campus, including:<\/p>\n