Westminster College recently received a $3.88 million bequest from Californian and former trustee, the late Ronald J. Kostich, of the class of 1963, from Upland, California.
The funds will be added to the college's endowment for scholarships, the National Churchill Museum and the Sigma Chi fraternity. A portion will also be used to support the Westminster Fund and renovations to the Sigma Chi house.
"We are thankful for the generosity of Ron Kostich, who has made this lasting contribution in support of his alma mater," Westminster President Fletch Lamkin said. "Ron's legacy gift underscores his belief in the brand of Westminster liberal arts education for which the college is revered and renowned."
He added alumni support of Westminster through gifts is on the rise.
While a student at Westminster, Kostich was active in his fraternity, Sigma Chi. He also played tennis and was a member of the ROTC unit. His admiration for his Westminster experience ran deep.
As he once put it, "I came to love the philosophy of that small school."
Kostich enjoyed a distinguished 36-year career with Abbot Laboratories in Chicago before retiring to his native California to start a rental property business in 2001. Throughout his life, Ron remained connected to his beloved alma mater, becoming a member of the President's Club from its inception and returning frequently to campus for the President's Dinner.
"Since I had funds available, I wanted to leave a mark on my school and fraternity," Kostich said.
The areas he has chosen to support - scholarships, encouraging Greek life, and the National Churchill Museum - are hallmarks of the Westminster experience. Kostich's vision and generosity will help to ensure Westminster sustains and strengthens these foundational parts of the college in perpetuity, Westminster Director of media and public relations Rob Crouse said.