Madison College scholarship opportunities will expand thanks to a $4.5 million gift from W. Jerome (Jerry) Frautschi.
The Frautschi Family Pathway Scholarship Fund was established in 2022 with a $1 million gift from Frautschi. This new $4.5 million commitment continues the vision to support students with the most financial need, regardless of background or program of study.
The $4.5 million is the largest non-capital contribution in the Madison College Foundation’s history.
“At the heart of this visionary gift are our students — their dreams, determination and futures,” Madison College Foundation CEO Bryan Woodhouse said in a statement. “We are deeply moved and incredibly grateful to Mr. Frautschi. This gift affirms the power of education to transform lives, ensuring more students can stay in school, graduate and build better lives for themselves and their families.”
Madison College President Jennifer Berne also expresses her gratitude.
“This gift has significant power,” Berne said in a statement. “It removes the upfront barrier of cost, which we know is a deciding factor in whether someone pursues higher education, and it stays with students across four semesters, helping them stay enrolled and finish what they start. These barriers are rarely one-time events, so to have a scholarship that recognizes and responds to that reality is essential — and quite literally life-changing.”
The Frautschi family and their philanthropic foundations have supported Madison College students since the 1960s, and the school’s Legacy Society is named in honor of Emil J. Frautschi, Jerry Frautschi’s grandfather.
“Madison College has been an invaluable asset to our community for over 100 years, educating our parents, siblings and children. We fully support its mission to enhance the lives of residents,” Jerry Frautschi said in a statement. “We wish success for those who will benefit from the fund, knowing that the pursuit of higher education, combined with hard work, leads to a fulfilling life.”
The Madison College Foundation has provided over 2,300 students with scholarship support in the last year.
