The Graduate Theological Union is pleased to announce that Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Joan McGrath have pledged $1 million to the GTU Scholarship Endowment. 

“This is a magnificent gift that represents their faith in the GTU’s mission,” said GTU President James A. Donahue. “It is a strategic investment that addresses one of our most compelling priority needs: student scholarships. With this gift, the fulfillment of our fundraising goals is ever closer.”

GTU Board Chair John Weiser said, “I am thrilled to hear about this wonderful gift by Joan and Bob. In her work on the Board, Joan has always emphasized the centrality of our educational mission and her and Bob’s generosity will be a boon to students. It should inspire others to make scholarships a top giving priority.” 

With this commitment, Mr. and Mrs. McGrath exemplify the charitable giving that GTU donors demonstrate in support of ecumenical and interreligious collaboration. Joan has served on the GTU board since 1996, and the McGraths’ leadership has helped sustain the GTU’s mission of teaching, research, ministry, and service.

The McGraths are active philanthropists, reaching out to organizations such as the American Conservatory Theatre, KQED in San Francisco, Project Open Hand, the AIDS Program at Most Holy Redeemer Church, and the University of Notre Dame. They are also regular supporters of the Lourdes Pilgrimage, a mission which helps the sick and disadvantaged complete their healing journey to the shrine at Lourdes in France.

“Students are the ones who will become the agents of change in the world,” the McGraths said. “Our world sorely needs their leadership. Support for students is our contribution to a future world where religion is the catalyst for conversation and understanding. The GTU is a national treasure and we all need to work to see that it is able to accomplish its mission.”