Newberry College receives $1M matching gift pledge

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Newberry College has received a $1 million matching gift pledge for its Stadium Village, the school’s stadium expansion project.

The pledge came from Fountain Inn resident Melvin Younts and the Melvin and Dollie Younts Foundation.

Younts, an attorney and philanthropist, pledged on Jan. 31. to match up to $1 million in donations raised for the stadium expansion project during the next three years.

“Newberry College is a diamond in the rough that is truly ready to shine,” Younts said in a news release. “The Stadium Village project will provide much-needed infrastructure to a very competitive athletics program while also strengthening academic growth. I am pleased to join Newberry College in its mission to prepare students for successful careers and meaningful lives.”

The Younts family has supported other initiatives at Newberry College, along with programs at Columbia College, Clemson and Furman.

“We are delighted that Melvin and Dollie Younts have demonstrated, through this generous gift, their support for our mission and their belief in our vision for the future of Newberry College,” Newberry College president Dr. Maurice W. Scherrens said.

Stadium Village, one of several projects in the college’s $35 million capital campaign, will include renovation of the school’s football stadium and construction of a new fieldhouse, locker rooms, classrooms and staff offices, along with expanded athletic training facilities.

Other projects in the campaign include construction of a new nursing building and renovation of Wiles Chapel and Theatre.