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More History to Make: Marietta College Launches Strategic Plan, Celebrates Transformative Gift

Joe and Linda Chlapaty Commit $4 Million to Fuel Strategic Initiatives and Inspire Giving

by Gi Smith

Marietta, OH (08/20/2025) — Marietta College kicked off the school year with the launch of More History to Make: A Strategic Vision for Marietta College and announced a transformative $4 million gift from Trustee Joe Chlapaty H'10, P'97 and his wife, Linda, to support key initiatives and inspire others to invest in the College's future.

President Kathleen Poorman Dougherty described the moment as both a celebration of Marietta's remarkable legacy and an invitation to shape its future. She shared from the plan:

"More History to Make is about honoring who we are and defining where we're going. It's about delivering on the promise of a Marietta education with energy and intention. It's about creating experiences rooted in human connection and life-changing opportunities and preparing our students not just for careers, but for meaningful lives. Together, we're building a future that carries our legacy forward and ensures our mission ignites purpose for generations to come."

The College's pathway forward emphasizes four main pillars: Advancing Innovation and Access, Fostering Student Engagement and Success, Cultivating Community Partnerships, and Securing a Strong Financial Future. Some of the highlights of the plan include expanding undergraduate and graduate programs, developing additional opportunities for mentored scholarship that connects students to real-world challenges, and focusing on strengthening a vibrant student life program.

Other key initiatives include the creation of the Milone Center for Academic and Career Success, the Center for Earth, Energy, and the Environment, and the Center for Appalachian Innovation - each designed to provide students with hands-on learning opportunities while driving scholarship and strengthening partnerships across the region.

Learn more about the strategic vision: https://www.marietta.edu/more-history-make

During the launch celebration, Dougherty announced that Trustee Joe Chlapaty H'10, P'97 and his wife, Linda, have committed a transformative $4 million gift to advance the College's vision. Their generosity builds on years of steadfast philanthropy, including a matching challenge last year that inspired an extraordinary outpouring of alumni support.

"For nearly two centuries, Marietta has been a beacon in higher education and in the community," said Chlapaty. "Linda and I have seen firsthand the transformative power of a Marietta education. We believe deeply in this vision for the future and hope our gift inspires others to invest in Marietta's ability to change lives, both today and for generations to come."

Board Chair Jim Wilson '69 also welcomed students into the new academic year, encouraging them to embrace the opportunities ahead:

"Develop a personal cohort of people who will become your support team and your friends for life," Wilson said. "Those relationships will enrich your Marietta experience in ways you can't yet imagine."

First-year student Flavia Pimenta '28, a Neuroscience major and summer Student Ambassador, reflected on her own experience:

"Marietta has a very supportive environment and gives students a caring place that feels like home," Pimenta said. "This is a great way to start the semester, and I want to thank the College for always making the student experience a priority."

In reflecting on the strategic direction of the College, Dougherty noted that Marietta's story is still unfolding:

"For almost 200 years, Marietta College has carved new paths guided by persistence, determination, and a pioneering spirit. As our students move into their careers, families, and communities, they will see Marietta as a landmark experience that shaped their lives. With the support of our alumni, friends, and advocates, and the extraordinary dedication of our faculty and staff, we will turn this vision into action. Together, we have more stories to tell. Together, we have More History to Make."

Media Attachments

New students were welcomed to the Marietta College community during the Matriculation Ceremony, followed by a campus-wide kickoff dinner.

Marietta College Trustee Joe Chlapaty H’10, P’97, (left) attended Wednesday's Campus-wide Kickoff Dinner with current students, faculty, staff, and employees' families. Chlapaty and his wife, Linda, committed a $4 million gift to the College this year to help support strategic initiatives and inspire fellow donors.

Marietta College President Kathleen Poorman Dougherty announced the new strategic plan, More History to Make: A Strategic Vision for Marietta College, as well as a transformative $4 million gift from Trustee and parent Joe Chlapaty H’10, P’97, and his wife, Linda, during Wednesday's annual Campus-wide Kickoff Dinner with students, employees and their families.

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