A Closer Look from Franklin College President Kerry N. Prather - April 24, 2026

Greetings, Franklin College alumni and friends! Franklin College has always been defined by the power of connection — between students and faculty, classmates and mentors, education and opportunity. We are continuing to build on that legacy through Franklin Forward: The Campaign for Franklin College, a five-year, $40 million comprehensive fundraising initiative designed to preserve and expand that unique and transformational student experience for generations to come. For all students, including the nearly one-third who are the first in their family to attend college, Franklin Forward will expand access to scholarships, ensuring that a lifechanging Franklin education remains within reach. Increased endowment support will strengthen academic programs, enhance engaged learning opportunities and support the small class size and personal attention that define our student experience. Many of you may have experienced firsthand the impact of donor generosity as a student — philanthropy that opened doors and made your college experience possible, preparing you for successful careers and fulfilling adult lives. That same spirit of giving is shaping today’s students, who are benefiting from new programs in high-demand fields, innovative learning spaces, and expanded opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. The campaign also includes transforming the historic Elwood Fitness Center, the oldest college gymnasium in Indiana originally built in 1908, into a modern hub for wellness, recreation and athletics — supporting our vibrant campus life. Franklin Forward is far more than just a fundraising campaign — it is an investment in our students and the enduring value of a Franklin education. It ensures that future generations will have the same opportunities to grow, achieve and succeed.