Knowlton Foundation Awards College $500,000 for STEM Scholarships

Biology Professor Amanda Rollins works with students in her biology lab.

WILMINGTON, Ohio (September 4, 2025)—Wilmington College students will be the beneficiaries of a $500,000 endowment grant earmarked for student scholarships from the Austin E. Knowlton Foundation. Starting in the 2026-27 academic year, first-year WC students interested in pursuing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) or related fields of study will be eligible for The Austin E. Knowlton Memorial Scholarships.

Preference for awarding the scholarships will go to prior recipients who remain in good standing, freshmen applicants from Ohio, and new students from the neighboring states of Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois.

President Corey Cockerill expressed her appreciation for the Knowlton Foundation’s commitment to higher education. “These scholarships open doors to education, leadership and opportunity for our students,” she said. “Wilmington College is honored to steward this incredible gift.”

Adam Lohrey, vice president for enrollment management and marketing, said the Austin E. Knowlton Memorial Scholarships will assist the College in attracting talented students interested in STEM fields from the greater Ohio region. “Offering these scholarships to students gives us the opportunity to make a Wilmington College education more affordable than ever before,” he said. “New scholarships paired with our expanded academic offerings open doors for students pursuing high-demand careers, fueling our region’s workforce.”

Tammy Shadley, vice president for advancement, worked closely with the Knowlton Foundation in securing this prestigious scholarship opportunity. “Wilmington College and the Knowlton Foundation have shared a strong relationship spanning over 25 years,” she said. “This generous donation is an inspiring investment in our students and our mission, and its impact will be felt for years to come.”

A pioneer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Austin E. “Dutch” Knowlton, helped build and shape thriving communities. The owner and chairman of the Knowlton Construction Company started in Bellefontaine, Ohio, in 1937, Knowlton and his company were responsible for 600 construction projects throughout Ohio and the Midwest, including school buildings, hospitals, libraries, and post offices. An avid sportsman, he was an original founding partner and chairman of the Cincinnati Bengals, and he also held a major ownership interest in the Cincinnati Reds for many years. Knowlton was an aviation pioneer, making extensive use of early business aircraft to efficiently support his far-flung construction projects from the late 1940s. In 1981, inspired by the success made possible by the education he received, Knowlton established his namesake foundation to empower future generations of students and to support the institutions dedicated to educating them.

Article Submitted by Wilmington College