GOSHEN, Ind. -- Goshen College received $1.4 million as a gift which will go toward supporting research at the college.

The contribution was from the estate of Merle and Elizabeth Jacobs, who were alumni at the school.

Merle was a 1948 graduate who later became a biology professor at the college. His wife, Elizabeth, was a 1956 graduate who taught at ten different schools.

They passed away in 2008 and 2023, respectively.

President Rebecca Stoltzfus said, “Collaborative research by students and faculty across the disciplines is a hallmark of academic excellence at Goshen College. This generous gift from Merle and Elizabeth Jacobs will secure and expand our Maple Scholars program into the future, affecting the lives and careers of many students. We are immensely grateful.”

The contribution will go toward bettering the academic opportunities for the students, particularly the Maple Scholars summer research program.

In this program, students of all disciplines work with professors on these projects and then finish with a public presentation of what they have found.