For the second consecutive year, the Pomona College community has come together to support our students and faculty at unprecedented levels—surpassing all fundraising benchmarks in the College’s history.
More than 7,900 alumni, families and friends gave a record $82.8 million in gifts and pledges, bolstering Pomona’s transformative liberal arts education and the Sagehen student experience. That’s a 45 percent increase, or $25.6 million more, than fiscal year 2024’s historic fundraising total of $57.2 million.
“The strength of Pomona comes from the people who believe in the College and our mission—and in our collective power to shape the world,” says Pomona College President G. Gabrielle Starr. “I am deeply grateful for the support of our community, which nurtures student growth, fuels faculty innovation and fosters an environment where meaningful learning and discovery thrive.”
Here are a few ways Sagehen support makes a difference at Pomona.
Thanks to the enduring generosity of the Sagehen community, more than 50 percent of Pomona students received need-based aid last year, totaling $68.6 million in scholarships and grants. With need-blind admissions and financial aid packages tailored to each family’s circumstances, Pomona meets 100 percent of students’ demonstrated need. The College is also among the few U.S. schools offering significant financial aid for international students, with over 40 percent receiving need-based support.
When we invest in the future of Pomona students, we’re investing in a future full of possibility and one that is brighter for us all.”
—Johny Ek Aban ’19
Young Alumni Trustee, former FLI scholar
Students conducted innovative conservation research in Hawaii during spring break with Nina Karnovsky, the Willard George Halstead Zoology Professor of Biology, and Wallace Meyer, associate professor of biology. The trip was part of a semester-long course co-taught by both professors. This faculty-led study away course was one of two Global Gateway programs that Pomona piloted in 2025 to deepen students’ understanding of some of the world’s most pressing issues.
To deepen their understanding of some of the world’s most pressing issues, students conducted innovative conservation research in Hawaii during spring break with Wallace Meyer, associate professor of biology. This faculty-led study-away course was one of two Global Gateways opportunities that Pomona piloted in 2025.
Last year, gifts from Sagehen parents and families supported student athletics, wellness programs, student research opportunities and more.
We give because it’s evident that every gift makes a difference, and even though our student has graduated, he is still a part of the Sagehen community. And so are we.”
—Mark Feng
proud parent of Matthew Feng ‘24
For many athletes, the critical resources for training, team preparation, competition and recovery that the College provides make us feel like we are taken seriously and appreciated.”
—Hannah Gough ’25
Women’s lacrosse team member, economics and international relations double major at Pomona
For me, teaching is more than a profession. It’s a calling that began at Pomona. Giving back to the College through the Pomona Annual Fund, which supports student research, is a way of continuing the legacy.”
—Dr. Richard Lee ’90
world-traveling physician, educator and humanitarian
Last year, gifts like Dr. Lee’s supported over 200 Sagehens in the Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP).
Pomona’s interdisciplinary curriculum ensures that physics majors like Toby Arculli ’25, pictured here with Masha Prokopenko, visiting assistant professor of geology, gain exposure to a broad range of scientific fields.
My Pomona experience has served me in every aspect of my life. How could I not give back to a place that has given me so much?”
—Andrew Brown ’77
45-year consecutive Pomona Annual Fund donor, former regional chapter lead
Read more about Sagehens making an impact.