# Spelman College Endowment

Spelman College Endowment is an Endowment / Foundation based in Atlanta, United States.

## Overview

- **Organization type:** Endowment / Foundation
- **Headquarters:** Atlanta, United States
- **Region:** North America
- **Address:** 350 Spelman Lane, S.W., Atlanta, GA 30314, United States
- **Founded:** 1881
- **Assets under management:** 577 (Altss estimate)
- **Website:** spelman.edu
- **LinkedIn:** https://www.linkedin.com/school/spelman-college-2/

## Regulatory record

- **Reports private funds:** No

## About

Spelman College was established in 1881. The endowment was created to provide ongoing financial support through investment returns and donor contributions. Helene D. Gayle has served as president since 2022. Ronda Stryker and William Johnston made a $100 million gift in 2024. The endowment deploys capital through Spelman College Special Ventures Fund into private equity, venture capital, hedge funds, real estate and natural resources. Confirmed commitments include Index Ventures, Palamon Capital Partners, The Riverside Company, 645 Ventures and Zeal Capital Partners Fund II. Geographic exposure spans North America and Africa. The portfolio has included minority ownership in the African AgriLand Fund via Emergent Asset Management. The endowment maintains 29 buildings on 45 acres in Atlanta plus additional real estate holdings including the 220 Sunset Avenue faculty housing project developed with Westside Future Fund and the P3 Residence Hall. It also holds the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art collection of approximately 450 works. Dawn Alston serves as CFO. The endowment participates in the Atlanta University Center Consortium and NACUBO. July 2025: Hosted Project ACCLAIM Campus Visit focused on asset management education for HBCU students. The endowment operates a hybrid structure with an independent non-profit investment vehicle established in 1982 that makes commitments alongside external GPs while the college retains direct ownership of campus real estate and the art collection. Governance is led by an investment committee chaired by Theodore R. Aronson with oversight from the Board of Trustees.

## Sectors

- Education
- Venture Capital
- Private Equity
- Real Estate
- AgriTech & FoodTech

## People

- Helene D. Gayle — President
- Theodore R. Aronson — Chair of the Investment Committee
- Lovette Russell — Chair of the Board of Trustees
- Ronda Stryker — Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees
- Dawn Alston — CFO and VP for Business and Financial Affairs

## Questions

### Who runs investment decisions at Spelman College Endowment?

Theodore R. Aronson chairs the Investment Committee. Dawn Alston serves as CFO and VP for Business and Financial Affairs. The Board of Trustees provides oversight with Lovette Russell as chair and Ronda Stryker as vice chair.

### Does Spelman College Endowment participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?

The endowment commits to external funds through Spelman College Special Ventures Fund. Confirmed limited partner positions include Index Ventures, Palamon Capital Partners, The Riverside Company and 645 Ventures.

### What asset classes does Spelman College Endowment target?

The endowment allocates to private equity, venture capital, hedge funds, real estate and natural resources. It has also held positions in commodities and distressed situations.

### Which regions does Spelman College Endowment invest in?

The endowment maintains exposure in North America and Africa. Historical holdings included the African AgriLand Fund.

### How is Spelman College Endowment related to Spelman College Special Ventures Fund?

Spelman College Special Ventures Fund is an independent non-profit vehicle established in 1982 to make private capital commitments on behalf of the endowment.

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Last updated: 2026-06-03T20:00:00.000Z

Canonical page: https://altss.com/profile/spelman-college-endowment

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