SWEET BRIAR, VA, Aug. 27, 2026—Sweet Briar recently received commitments to support the college’s greatest needs from two alumnae, one of whom wishes to remain anonymous. Both donors made these gifts to support the college’s operational needs, current priorities, and special initiatives. 

One such special initiative is the Campus Electrical Distribution Upgrade (CEDU) project, which provides much-needed updates to Sweet Briar’s electrical infrastructure. Allison “Allie” Stemmons Simon, class of 1963, has committed an additional $6 million to that project. This completes Phases I and II of the project, which includes a new switchgear, building, and equipment, and serves to upgrade the electrical infrastructure on campus. With the completion of this upgrade, other buildings on campus can now be rehabilitated and restored.

Allie is no stranger to the importance of philanthropy at Sweet Briar. She was also on the Where Women Lead campaign cabinet, was a long-time class leader and reunion gifts committee member for the class of 1963, served on Sweet Briar’s Board of Directors twice, and was named an Emerita Trustee in 2022. She also received the college’s Outstanding Alumna Award in 1999. Allie has been a dedicated and staunch advocate for Sweet Briar College. 

With the upgrades to Sweet Briar’s electrical infrastructure, the college can continue to steward its historic natural and built environment through these priorities and initiatives. Two top priorities are the renovations of Guion Science Center and Gray Hall. Guion is in need of modernization and upgrades, including laboratory configurations, furnishings, and equipment. Gray Hall, envisioned and constructed as a residence hall, transformed into administrative spaces and classrooms in the early 2000s. Now, in keeping with its original purpose, and to properly steward Sweet Briar’s buildings in its National Register Historic District, Gray will return to housing for students during the school year, and accommodations for Reunion, camps, and retreats in the summer.

The additional $4 million undesignated gift to the college has been committed by an anonymous alumna and will address Sweet Briar’s ongoing needs and priorities, as outlined in its Strategic Plan.
Sweet Briar also recently received a gift of 101 acres of land that is contiguous with the college’s main campus and is currently an active farm. Sweet Briar plans to continue the agricultural use of this land, where cattle graze, in support of the agricultural legacy of Amherst County. This gift was given by another alumna who wishes to remain anonymous.  

“We are exceedingly grateful to Allie and our anonymous donors,” said President Mary Pope M. Hutson. “These commitments make a tremendous difference to current and future Sweet Briar students, and the gift of land is a unique opportunity to steward Sweet Briar’s land through a valued partnership and investments in our local agriculture economy.” 

There is no greater demonstration of dedication to and confidence in Sweet Briar than making a gift to the college, especially one to support these special initiatives and operational needs as we continue to strengthen Sweet Briar. These and other recent commitments and the work to fulfill capital needs keep Sweet Briar relevant and resilient, helping to secure its future.

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Located on 2,847 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Lynchburg, Va., Sweet Briar is a liberal arts and sciences college for women with distinctive potential and a can-do attitude. In our nationally recognized Women's Leadership Core Curriculum, students become practical, innovative and collaborative change-makers. A century-long tradition of excellence in equestrian competition and horsemanship, an accredited hands-on engineering program, and a commitment to sustainability, agriculture and natural resources are hallmarks of the college. Learn about our natural training ground for leaders at sbc.edu.