Alverno College receives $10M donation for strategic growth

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Alverno College has received a $10 million donation from John and Tashia Morgridge through the TOSA Foundation, marking what the school calls one of the largest gifts its 137-year history.

The funds will support strategic growth and innovation aimed at educating and empowering future leaders.

"Alverno College is a great asset to the community. This gift expresses our deep confidence in Alverno, and we hope that it will inspire and challenge others who value the power of education to also invest in Alverno and its students," the Morgridges said in a joint statement.

Alverno President Christy L. Brown expressed gratitude for the donation, noting its immediate and lasting impact. 

“We say it’s transformational not only because of the amount, but because it's going to help us build a brighter future and a future that takes into account all of the needs and the highest priorities of Alverno College," Brown told CBS 58. 

The gift comes at a pivotal time for the Milwaukee-based Catholic liberal arts college, which recently adjusted staffing and programs in response to a $9 million deficit.

The college cut 37 full time faculty and staff positions and removed nearly a third of its programs. Brown says they will not be reversing those decisions. She says, instead, the donation will help support Alverno’s current programs and students.

“We will be using it to build the future, not rebuild the past," said Brown.