The Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation recently awarded Wilson College a $720,000 grant to fund scholarships for students with financial need through the Stabler Scholarship Endowment.

The endowment has provided scholarships for 305 Wilson students since the program began in 2008. Students are selected for scholarships based on financial need, academic achievement and service to the community.  

Students who receive Stabler Scholarships sign a “debt of conscience” indicating that when they are able, they will make contributions to the endowment in an amount equal to what they received. The agreement, while not a formal legal pact, serves as a commitment to future philanthropy on graduation.

“We are thankful for this gift from The Stabler Foundation because it will enable deserving students who need financial assistance to receive an education at Wilson College,” said Wilson President Barbara K. Mistick. “We are tremendously grateful for the foundation’s faithful and generous support.”

Since 1985, The Stabler Foundation has provided Wilson with more than $5.5 million in funding for a number of programs, including the Stabler Scholarship Endowment; Curran Scholars program, which promotes student volunteerism; and daycare support for students in Wilson’s Single Parent Scholars program.

Located in Harrisburg, The Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation was established by the Stablers in 1966 exclusively for charitable, religious, scientific, literary or educational purposes. The foundation awards grants to educational institutions, parochial or church-related schools, nonprofit hospitals and medical facilities. The foundation also supports religious institutions and social service organizations that seek to preserve and instill traditional moral and ethical values, respect for the family, concern for others, self-reliance and a productive life.