Joe and Linda Chlapaty’s landmark investment will establish a new graduate health sciences facility and transform first-year residence halls.
MARIETTA, Ohio (Oct. 16, 2026)—Marietta College today announced a historic $55 million gift commitment from Joe and Linda Chlapaty. It is the largest single gift in the College’s nearly 200-year history.
The investment will fund two priorities in the College’s More History to Make strategic plan: construction of a new graduate health sciences facility and major renovations to three first-year residence halls.
President Kathleen Poorman Dougherty announced the commitment Friday during the State of the College address during homecoming weekend. The event also marked the public launch of The Campaign for Marietta College: More History to Make, a five-year effort to fund the College’s strategic plan.
“This is one of those rare moments that changes what is possible for Marietta College,” Dougherty said. “Joe and Linda are investing not simply in buildings, but in generations of students who will live, learn and find their purpose here. Their extraordinary commitment moves our strategic plan forward and expands our ability to serve students and our region.”
The Chlapatys’ gift will help Marietta address health care workforce needs in southeastern Ohio and the Appalachian region. It will also improve the student experience and help the College attract and retain future Pioneers.
The commitment places Marietta among a small group of liberal arts colleges nationally to receive a gift of this size. It reflects the Chlapatys’ confidence in the College’s leadership, direction and future.
“Joe and Linda’s commitment reflects extraordinary confidence in Marietta College and in the direction of its leadership. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I thank them for investing so generously in our students and in the College’s ability to serve this region for generations to come,” said Dr. Jim Wilson ’69, chair of Marietta College’s Board of Trustees.
Joe Chlapaty is a Marietta College trustee and received an honorary degree from the College in 2010. The Chlapatys are also the parents of a 1997 Marietta graduate.
The investment will fund two priorities in the College’s More History to Make strategic plan: construction of a new graduate health sciences facility and major renovations to three first-year residence halls.
President Kathleen Poorman Dougherty announced the commitment Friday during the State of the College address during homecoming weekend. The event also marked the public launch of The Campaign for Marietta College: More History to Make, a five-year effort to fund the College’s strategic plan.
“This is one of those rare moments that changes what is possible for Marietta College,” Dougherty said. “Joe and Linda are investing not simply in buildings, but in generations of students who will live, learn and find their purpose here. Their extraordinary commitment moves our strategic plan forward and expands our ability to serve students and our region.”
The Chlapatys’ gift will help Marietta address health care workforce needs in southeastern Ohio and the Appalachian region. It will also improve the student experience and help the College attract and retain future Pioneers.
The commitment places Marietta among a small group of liberal arts colleges nationally to receive a gift of this size. It reflects the Chlapatys’ confidence in the College’s leadership, direction and future.
“Joe and Linda’s commitment reflects extraordinary confidence in Marietta College and in the direction of its leadership. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I thank them for investing so generously in our students and in the College’s ability to serve this region for generations to come,” said Dr. Jim Wilson ’69, chair of Marietta College’s Board of Trustees.
Joe Chlapaty is a Marietta College trustee and received an honorary degree from the College in 2010. The Chlapatys are also the parents of a 1997 Marietta graduate.
Advancing Health Care Education and Regional Impact
The new health sciences facility will include classrooms, laboratories, simulation spaces and areas for students and faculty to work together.
The facility will support Marietta as the College adds graduate health care programs and expands current offerings. These programs will prepare more students for high-demand careers and help meet the needs for health care professionals throughout rural Ohio and the Appalachian region.
“Every great institution reaches moments when it must decide how boldly it is willing to invest in its future,” Joe Chlapaty said. “Marietta College first became part of our family’s story through our son’s experience, but over the years, our connection to the College has grown into something much greater.”
That long-standing connection shapes the Chlapatys’ hopes for what the commitment will make possible.
“Linda and I believe deeply in Marietta’s mission, its leadership and its potential to transform lives,” he added. “This commitment is our investment in the students who will find their place here, the people who will guide them and the difference this College can make for generations to come. We hope it also inspires others to join us in shaping Marietta’s future.”
The new health sciences facility will include classrooms, laboratories, simulation spaces and areas for students and faculty to work together.
The facility will support Marietta as the College adds graduate health care programs and expands current offerings. These programs will prepare more students for high-demand careers and help meet the needs for health care professionals throughout rural Ohio and the Appalachian region.
“Every great institution reaches moments when it must decide how boldly it is willing to invest in its future,” Joe Chlapaty said. “Marietta College first became part of our family’s story through our son’s experience, but over the years, our connection to the College has grown into something much greater.”
That long-standing connection shapes the Chlapatys’ hopes for what the commitment will make possible.
“Linda and I believe deeply in Marietta’s mission, its leadership and its potential to transform lives,” he added. “This commitment is our investment in the students who will find their place here, the people who will guide them and the difference this College can make for generations to come. We hope it also inspires others to join us in shaping Marietta’s future.”
Reimagining the First-Year Experience
A significant portion of the gift will support comprehensive renovations to Marietta Hall, completed in 1965, and Elsie Newton and Mary Beach Halls, completed in 1957 and 1959 respectively.
The project will create modern, welcoming living spaces that reflect the quality of a Marietta education. The residence halls are among the first places prospective students and families see when they visit campus. They are also where new Pioneers build friendships, find a sense of belonging and begin to see Marietta as home.
A significant portion of the gift will support comprehensive renovations to Marietta Hall, completed in 1965, and Elsie Newton and Mary Beach Halls, completed in 1957 and 1959 respectively.
The project will create modern, welcoming living spaces that reflect the quality of a Marietta education. The residence halls are among the first places prospective students and families see when they visit campus. They are also where new Pioneers build friendships, find a sense of belonging and begin to see Marietta as home.
Launching the More History to Make Campaign
The announcement coincided with the public launch of The Campaign for Marietta College: More History to Make. Over five years, the College seeks to raise $11 million annually to advance priorities in its strategic plan, including academic innovation, student success, community partnerships, enrollment growth and responsible planning for Marietta’s future.
The campaign’s name honors Marietta’s history while looking ahead to its bicentennial. Since the establishment of Muskingum Academy in 1797 and the official chartering of Marietta College in 1835, generations of supporters have helped shape Marietta’s future through their belief in its mission and the promise of its students.
The Chlapatys’ commitment creates momentum for two major projects as the new campaign begins. Marietta is inviting alumni, parents and friends to help advance the full range of priorities in the College’s strategic plan.
“This gift sends an unmistakable message about Marietta College and its future,” said Bethany McFarland Leslie ’12, vice president for advancement. “Joe and Linda’s extraordinary confidence helps move two transformational priorities from aspiration to action. Their leadership raises our sights, and through this new campaign, we are inviting alumni, parents and friends everywhere to help write Marietta’s next chapter.”
Through the strategic plan and the campaign, Marietta College is expanding its campus and academic programs while reaffirming its commitment to providing an education that transforms lives.
Learn more about The Campaign for Marietta College: More History to Make and opportunities to make an impact at marietta.edu/morehistory.
The announcement coincided with the public launch of The Campaign for Marietta College: More History to Make. Over five years, the College seeks to raise $11 million annually to advance priorities in its strategic plan, including academic innovation, student success, community partnerships, enrollment growth and responsible planning for Marietta’s future.
The campaign’s name honors Marietta’s history while looking ahead to its bicentennial. Since the establishment of Muskingum Academy in 1797 and the official chartering of Marietta College in 1835, generations of supporters have helped shape Marietta’s future through their belief in its mission and the promise of its students.
The Chlapatys’ commitment creates momentum for two major projects as the new campaign begins. Marietta is inviting alumni, parents and friends to help advance the full range of priorities in the College’s strategic plan.
“This gift sends an unmistakable message about Marietta College and its future,” said Bethany McFarland Leslie ’12, vice president for advancement. “Joe and Linda’s extraordinary confidence helps move two transformational priorities from aspiration to action. Their leadership raises our sights, and through this new campaign, we are inviting alumni, parents and friends everywhere to help write Marietta’s next chapter.”
Through the strategic plan and the campaign, Marietta College is expanding its campus and academic programs while reaffirming its commitment to providing an education that transforms lives.
Learn more about The Campaign for Marietta College: More History to Make and opportunities to make an impact at marietta.edu/morehistory.
About Marietta College
Located in Marietta, Ohio, at the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio rivers, Marietta College is a four-year liberal arts college with a strong focus on experiential learning, leadership, and service. Charted in 1835, the College serves approximately 1,000 full-time undergraduate and graduate students, fostering the confidence, optimism and opportunity needed to build meaningful careers and lives of purpose. Marietta College is consistently recognized among top regional colleges by U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, Forbes.com, Wall Street Journal/College Pulse and other rankings. marietta.edu/rankings-success.
Located in Marietta, Ohio, at the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio rivers, Marietta College is a four-year liberal arts college with a strong focus on experiential learning, leadership, and service. Charted in 1835, the College serves approximately 1,000 full-time undergraduate and graduate students, fostering the confidence, optimism and opportunity needed to build meaningful careers and lives of purpose. Marietta College is consistently recognized among top regional colleges by U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, Forbes.com, Wall Street Journal/College Pulse and other rankings. marietta.edu/rankings-success.