SU Announces Church and Washburn Endowment for Equity, Justice and Inclusion

SALISBURY, MD---Salisbury University is celebrating Pride Month this June with the announcement of a planned endowment for LGBTQIA+ activities, expected to top $1 million.

The William D. Church and John A. Washburn Endowment for Equity, Justice and Inclusion will continue its namesakes’ dedication to the LGBTQIA+ community and addressing issues faced by its members.

“The legacy this planned gift will leave at Salisbury University is especially fitting for these individuals, who have established themselves as LGBTQIA+ leaders on the Delmarva Peninsula and beyond,” said SU President Charles Wight. “Generations of future students will benefit from their generosity.”

“Our LGBTQIA+ students, faculty and staff are a significant part of the campus community,” said Joan Williams, SU associate vice president of diversity and chief diversity officer. “This generous gift planned by Mr. Church and Mr. Washburn will allow the University to further enhance educational, programming and support efforts for those community members and others both on and off campus.”

“Bill Church and John Washburn have been proud supporters of Salisbury University,” said Jason Curtin, SU vice president of advancement and external affairs, and director of the SU Foundation, Inc., which will administer the planned gift. “Through this endowment, their impact on campus will continue throughout their lifetimes and beyond.”

Church’s name is familiar to many SU community members through the University’s Brown and Church Carillon, dedicated as part of the Patricia R. Guerrieri Academic Commons in 2017. The largest enclosed structure in Wicomico County, the 48-bell instrument was made possible thanks to a gift from Church, given in memory of his long-time partner and fellow music lover, Sam Brown.

The most recent gift from Church and Washburn also benefits “We Are SU: The Campaign for Salisbury University,” a $75 million initiative representing the largest fundraising effort in campus history. The campaign is focused on increasing the University’s scholarship base, academic funding and overall opportunities for student success.

For more information call 410-543-6175 or visit the “We Are SU” campaign webpage.