$3.2 Million Gift Elevates the Parlee Center for Science and the Common Good at Ursinus College

Ursinus College has received a $3.2 million gift from long-time philanthropists Joan Bradley Parlee ’57 and Donald Parlee, M.D. ’55.

One-million dollars of this transformative gift will create the Joan Bradley Parlee ’57 & Donald Parlee, M.D. ’55 Endowed Scholarship Fund, providing financial aid to deserving students.

Additionally, more than $2 million will elevate and permanently support the Parlee Center for Science and the Common Good.

Founded in 2018 and named for Joan and Don Parlee, the Parlee Center exemplifies Ursinus’s commitment to preparing students with the skills and experiences they need to become forward-thinking leaders and innovative problem-solvers.

“Joan and Don Parlee’s extraordinary generosity will leave an indelible mark on Ursinus and our students for generations to come,” said Gundolf Graml, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs and campus life. “At a time when we are reimagining our curriculum to emphasize applied learning, ethical leadership, and entrepreneurial problem-solving, this gift strengthens our ability to advance responsible scientific inquiry through the Parlee Center and expand students’ access to life-changing educational opportunities through the endowed scholarship.”

The Parlees have made significant contributions to various aspects of the student experience at Ursinus College. The late Don Parlee, an emeritus trustee, passed away in March 2024. He was a board-certified radiologist at Doylestown Hospital for 43 years. Joan Parlee taught high school science before dedicating her life to volunteerism and philanthropy. She was president of Doylestown Hospital’s board of directors and chair of the Doylestown Health Foundation Board.

“The Ursinus community is deeply grateful to the Parlee family for their enduring commitment to our college,” Ursinus President Robyn Hannigan said. “This generous gift will have a lasting impact on our students. It reflects our continued commitment to access and affordability and will ensure that in addition to an exceptional education, students at Ursinus gain the real-world, hands-on experience and mentorship needed to thrive in their careers and beyond.”

Throughout many years of philanthropy to Ursinus, the Parlees have supported scholarships, capital projects, student research, and the Ursinus Fund. In recognition of their leadership and service, Don and Joan Parlee were honored with the 2023 Bear2Bear Impact Award, which recognizes distinguished individuals or organizations who have had an extraordinary impact on their local, national, or global communities through leadership and service and have been unparalleled supporters of Ursinus and its mission.

“We are incredibly fortunate to count Joan, Don, and their entire family among Ursinus’s most visionary supporters,” said Vice President for Advancement and External Relations Michelle Yurko. “Their legacy will continue to inspire our community for years to come.”