Contact: Ed Taylor, Director of Strategic Communications 608-663-2333

Madison, Wis. – Edgewood College is honored to announce a $200,000 gift that will support scholarships in Business and Technology. Ryan Collins ’05, and Rachel Collins have created the Ryan and Rachel Collins Endowment, which will support future students studying in these fields.

“Our students pursuing these disciplines will significantly benefit from this extraordinary gift,” President Andrew P. Manion, Ph.D., said. “It is especially affirming for all of us when a past Edgewood College student invests in future Edgewood College students, as is the case here. We are deeply grateful to the Collins’ for their leadership and their commitment to Edgewood College, and especially for their work to expand opportunities for women in Business and Technology.”

“We’re passionate about supporting students in Business and Technology,” Rachel Collins said. “As we’ve found in our marriage, the fields go hand in hand. Young leaders have problems to solve, and solutions will involve taking new technologies to market.  I am especially thrilled to be able to support women in these fields.”

“As an alumnus of Edgewood College in both Technology and Business, I know the importance of these majors as an educational foundation,” Ryan Collins said. “We look forward to seeing what amazing leaders and outcomes come from these scholarships.  We are honored to help continue the Edgewood College mission for generations to come. “

The Ryan and Rachel Collins Endowment will provide annual scholarship support to three undergraduate students with financial need. One scholarship will be awarded to a student majoring in Computer Science or Computer Information Systems. The remaining two scholarships will be awarded to students majoring in Accounting, Business, Economics, Mathematics, Organizational Leadership, or minoring in Entrepreneurship. The Collins’ have asked that at least one of the three scholarships be awarded to women. The scholarships are renewable.

Rachel served as a sales executive at Q2ebanking in Austin, Texas from 2008-16, including during an initial public offering in 2014.  Ryan served as Chief Technology Officer and Chief Information Officer at Open Lending, in Austin, Texas from 2008-2020, including during an initial public offering in 2020. Ryan led the company’s creation of a suite of innovative and industry-defining technology and products.  Since 2020, Ryan and Rachel have moved on to other ventures and adventures, including seeking relevant board positions for both for-profit and non-profit organizations.

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