Emmaus University Announces a Transformational Gift from a Friend of the University
Emmaus University recently received a $1.5 million gift, which is the largest unrestricted gift in the University’s history. This gift was given by a friend to support the school’s mission to glorify God by educating and equipping learners to impact the world for Christ.
Each year, hundreds of alumni and friends support Emmaus from across the United States and the world, many of whom do so with little interest in being recognized. This individual has been a long-time supporter of Emmaus's mission and had arranged this gift to be bequeathed after his passing.
“We are excited and deeply grateful for this historic and meaningful gift that reinforces Emmaus’s unwavering, Christ-centered approach to education. The ripple effects from this gift will be felt for decades to come,” remarked Chad Cunningham, Vice President for Advancement.
Every Emmaus undergraduate student receives a $6,000 Founder’s Grant. As the University’s enrollment continues to grow, the need for Emmaus to keep its education within the financial reach of those who want it will only increase. This gift enhances the University’s ability to ensure finances do not stand in the way of those who want an education taught through a Biblical lens.
This announcement follows other transformative changes at the institution. In January of this year, Emmaus changed its name from Emmaus Bible College to Emmaus University to better communicate the breadth of educational programs it offers, which include professional degrees alongside degrees in Bible and Ministry. The shift was propelled by the school’s Fall 2024 approval from the Higher Learning Commission to offer Emmaus’s first fully accredited master’s degree program. Emmaus University launched an online MA in Bible and Ministry in Fall 2025.
For undergraduate programs in Fall 2025, Emmaus University saw its highest incoming freshman class in 9 years. This gift enhances the university’s ability to support more of its 306 students.
Additionally, as the University leadership team, in collaboration with the Board of Trustees, has been working on its multi-million-dollar vision to enhance key areas of existing campus facilities and make modest expansions to Smith Hall to accommodate enrollment growth, this gift will accelerate these plans.
Emmaus President Dr. Philip Boom said, “The entire campus community, current and future, will benefit from this gift, and we are so grateful to God for this amazing provision.”
September 12, 2025
