$23 million gift from Jerry Scheve to transform college

In a moment that will shape Wilmington College for generations, the institution has announced the most significant gift in its 155-year history—a record-breaking $23 million from Jerry Scheve.

College officials described the gift as “transformational,” positioning the institution for long-term success in serving students through academic, athletic, and global initiatives.

Scheve, a beloved accounting professor and championship-winning women’s basketball coach, dedicated over four decades to Wilmington College. He led the Lady Quakers for 30 years before retiring in 2021, earning 518 career victories and capturing the NCAA Division III national championship in 2004—a pinnacle achievement that underscored his legacy of excellence.

True to his values, Scheve designated his gift to support athletic excellence, peace and conflict resolution programming, and international affairs. A particular emphasis was placed on athletics, with the centerpiece of the funded projects being the construction of the Scheve Athletic Center, including a much-anticipated indoor track.

President Corey Cockerill emphasized the gift’s significance not just in scale but in sentiment.

“It comes from someone who gave his life to Wilmington College and understood what this community could become,” she said.

“Coach Scheve’s generosity challenges us to think bigger, act bolder, and lead with the same integrity he carried into every gym and classroom. His belief in doing things the right way—for players, students, and this college—will now benefit future generations, guided by the values of discipline, humility, and excellence.”

Board of Trustees Chair Daniel J. Buckley called the gift a “cornerstone” for the college’s future.

“Just as he inspired as a national championship coach, his gift will motivate students toward lives of service and success. The College is deeply grateful and committed to honoring his vision and enduring legacy.”

The indoor track will be named the Jenna Parlette Running Center, honoring a WC student-athlete who tragically passed away after collapsing near the finish line of a 2013 cross-country race. Scheve had long championed the idea of an indoor track, and his support now brings that dream to life.

Jenna’s mother, Lisa Parlette, expressed deep appreciation.

“I’m so grateful and humbled,” she said. “Words cannot fully express the depth of our joy and gratitude to Coach Scheve for making Jenna’s dream of an indoor track at WC a reality. His generosity will touch the lives of countless athletes, students, and community members for generations.”

Scheve’s gift will also fund the Hall of Champions — a celebration of athletic achievement — and enable significant upgrades to the College’s sports infrastructure and programming.

Matt Croci, director of athletics, highlighted the impact:

“A gift of this magnitude and scope will change the trajectory of our athletic department,” he said. “It touches all our student-athletes, coaches, staff, and programs. It gives an incredible answer to the question, ‘What does excellence look like at Wilmington College?’”

Ron Combs, longtime track and cross-country coach, added, “I’m proud of what we’ve built so far, but excited for what this enables us to do. With the running center, we can train through winter, host indoor meets, and truly elevate our programs.”

Scheve’s path to philanthropic leadership began decades ago. In the 1970s, he joined an investment club, making prescient choices in then-obscure companies like Apple and Microsoft. His steady, thoughtful approach to investing laid the groundwork for his extraordinary capacity to give back.

His brother, Ken Scheve, recalled the clarity of Jerry’s vision when considering how best to give:

“We asked him, ‘What’s mattered most to you?’ And it was obvious—his heart was with Wilmington,” Ken said.

Throughout the past year, Scheve made frequent trips from his home in Cincinnati to finalize the details of his gift — just as he had traveled to campus thousands of times over his 44-year career.

“As the plans came together, he became more energized,” Ken added. “The more he saw the impact this gift could have, the more excited he became. It gave him purpose.”

Tammy Shadley, vice president for advancement, worked closely with Scheve through the process.

“It was an honor and privilege,” she said. “We spent hours discussing exactly how he wanted the funds designated. He wanted to make a difference and help Wilmington College reach new heights.”

Shadley recalled the emotional weight of those conversations:

“I often told Jerry he kept me on a rollercoaster. I was thrilled by the magnitude of his gift, yet deeply moved by the meaning behind it. But I take great comfort in knowing he was at peace with his decision—and knew that his gift would shape the future of this college.”

Scheve recently saw photos on social media of the gym’s 60-year-old wooden bleachers being dismantled—the first step in the sweeping campus upgrades made possible by his gift. As crews removed the old seating to make way for safe, modern, electronically maneuverable bleachers, Scheve’s vision was already becoming reality.

“He was confident,” Ken said. “He knew—this is what he wanted to do for Wilmington College.”