Record $6M gift aims to bolster Wesleyan College’s business program. See how

Wesleyan College’s campaign to expand women’s education has received a record one-time $6 million donation, the college announced Nov. 20.

The money comes from Sylvia Maxwell Brown, Mary Beth and Dennis Swearingen and Stanford Brown. This historic gift, made in honor of the late Harold Searcy “Buddy” Brown, establishes the Harold Searcy Brown Chair in Business and funds the renovation of a state-of-the-art classroom to support Wesleyan’s expanding business program.

Sylvia Maxwell Brown, who attended Wesleyan, was the wife of Buddy Brown and the mother of Mary Beth — who attended Wesleyan — and Stanford.

The donors, whose connection to Wesleyan spans more than 60 years, said they wanted to support the business program and attract talented young women. The money will go toward the school’s newly launched SHE WILL campaign, a $61 million initiative to empower women through education and leadership development.

“Wesleyan inspires us with its mission to educate women who lead with purpose. This gift is about giving back to the College that shaped who I am—and ensuring that future generations of women have access to the same opportunities,” Mary Beth Swearingen, a 1989 Wesleyan graduate, said in a news release.

“We believe deeply in Wesleyan’s commitment to empowering women to dream boldly, learn fearlessly, and make a difference in the world,” Swearingen added.

The family’s gift reflects a long-standing commitment to the local community and the advancement of women’s education that will directly benefit students and the region for generations to come, the college said.

“We’ve seen firsthand how Wesleyan transforms lives and strengthens communities. This investment is both a tribute to that legacy and a commitment to the College’s continued growth,” Stanford Brown said in a news release. “We want to help ensure Wesleyan remains a place where women discover their strengths and go on to lead with integrity and impact.”

The newly named Harold Searcy Brown Classroom will seat up to 30 students and feature modern technology, updated furnishings and accessibility features — providing a dynamic learning environment for the college’s growing business program, according to the college.

Wesleyan President Meaghan Blight said the Brown-Swearingen family’s historic gift affirms the college’s vision and long-term sustainability, and she encouraged others to support Wesleyan’s efforts to advance equality for women and expand access to an education.

“It was important for the Brown–Swearingen family to honor their father, ‘Buddy’ Brown, who was a self-made businessman, and it was important for us to invest in our business program because we saw such an opportunity to increase our efforts to recruit the best and brightest young women across Georgia,” Blight told The Telegraph.

Harold “Buddy” Brown was a successful Georgia businessman and civic leader who played a key role in developing the state’s infrastructure through Butler Sand. Known for his integrity, work ethic, and generosity, his legacy will live on through students inspired by the educational spaces now bearing his name, Blight said.

Blight said the donation also demonstrates confidence in the work Wesleyan is doing every day.

“For Stan, Mary Beth, Dennis and Sylvia to stand up and say that we believe in where Wesleyan is going that a women’s college has a long, rich future ahead, and we’re going to put our money where our mouth is, and walk the talk and challenge others to do that is inspiring,” Blight said.

More about the SHE WILL campaign at Wesleyan

Funding for the SHE WILL campaign focuses on three key areas:

• Pursue Her Path – Scholarships, faculty support, and enhanced student life
• Have a Place to Call Home – Renovated residence halls and upgraded facilities
• Find Her Voice – Reimagined leadership and community spaces, including the Porter Gym on campus

The funds will support scholarships, experiential learning opportunities, faculty research and initiatives to create inclusive spaces for women, Blight said.

“The campaign focuses on advancing women in leadership and providing opportunities for women who might not otherwise have access to a private educational institution,” Blight said.

The college’s business program aims to teach entrepreneurial, accounting and finance skills, which are crucial for the workforce and economic growth, she added.

The campaign is led by Ruth Knox and Wesleyan Alexis Bighley, both Wesleyan alumnae.

“This campaign isn’t just about fundraising—it’s about changing lives,” Bighley said in a news release. “Every dollar is a commitment to the next generation of bold, confident women leaders.”