RBC Launches Debt-Free Degree Campaign and Sydows Legacy Scholarship Fund

The Debbie and Harry Sydow Legacy Scholarship Fund will support future generations of RBC students as early as fall 2026.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Richard Bland College (RBC) and the RBC Foundation recently launched the Debt-Free RBC Degree fundraising campaign and announced the Debbie and Harry Sydow Legacy Scholarship Fund to honor Dr. Debbie Sydow, who will step down as president of the College in June 2026 after fourteen years of transformative leadership. The Sydows have committed a $25,000 lead gift to launch the fund that supports future generations of RBC students beginning as early as fall 2026. This endowed scholarship serves as the cornerstone of Debt-Free RBC Degree, a bold new campaign designed to remove financial barriers and provide wrap-around support for student success.

Why it matters

Improving student learning outcomes and expanding access to higher education have been at the core of Dr. Sydow's work throughout her career. Her innovative approach to education has left a lasting impact on Richard Bland College, where student enrollment has increased significantly since her presidency began in 2012. The Debbie and Harry Sydow Legacy Scholarship Fund and the Debt-Free RBC Degree campaign reflect Dr. Sydow's consistent commitment to students and ensuring they have the support they need to succeed.

The details

The fundraising initiative seeks to expand endowed scholarships; to help students meet their immediate academic needs, from textbooks to technology resources; and to build a comprehensive Student Needs Center that serves as a hub, bringing together the essential support needed to ensure that every student has what they need to learn, flourish and complete a degree. In addition to the Sydows' endowed gift, the pilot appeal launches with a $200,000 leadership gift from Mr. John Rathbone, Rector of the College's Board of Visitors, and a challenge from Foundation Board Chairman Jeffrey Britt to fellow board members.

  • Dr. Debbie Sydow will step down as president of Richard Bland College in June 2026 after fourteen years of transformative leadership.
  • The Debbie and Harry Sydow Legacy Scholarship Fund will support future generations of RBC students as early as fall 2026.

The players

Dr. Debbie Sydow

The president of Richard Bland College who will step down in June 2026 after fourteen years of transformative leadership.

Harry Sydow

The husband of Dr. Debbie Sydow, who has committed a $25,000 lead gift to launch the Debbie and Harry Sydow Legacy Scholarship Fund.

John Rathbone

The Rector of the Richard Bland College Board of Visitors, who has made a $200,000 leadership gift to the Debt-Free RBC Degree campaign.

Jeffrey Britt

The Chairman of the Richard Bland College Foundation Board of Directors, who has issued a challenge to fellow board members to pledge multi-year gifts to the Foundation's unrestricted annual fund in honor of Dr. Sydow and in support of the Debt-Free RBC Degree campaign.

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What they’re saying

“Harry and I believe deeply in the power of education to transform lives. Richard Bland College has always been about opportunity and excellence. This scholarship and campaign ensure that future RBC students will have the support they need to succeed.”

— Dr. Debbie Sydow, President, Richard Bland College (EINPresswire.com)

“Dr. Sydow's extraordinary leadership has been nothing short of transformative for Richard Bland College. Her vision has inspired all of us to think bigger and do more to support student success by removing financial barriers. Through the Rector's Challenge, I hope to honor her legacy by rallying our Board and community to ensure that every student has the resources they need to thrive.”

— John Rathbone, Rector, Richard Bland College Board of Visitors (EINPresswire.com)

“As an alumnus, I know firsthand the impact Richard Bland College can have on a student's life. Dr. Sydow has elevated that impact to an entirely new level. The Chairman's Challenge is our way of honoring and continuing her work—providing flexible resources that meet students' needs and remove barriers to degree completion.”

— Jeffrey Britt, Chairman, Richard Bland College Foundation Board of Directors (EINPresswire.com)

What’s next

Over the coming weeks, RBC alumni, friends of the College and the surrounding community will be invited to contribute to the Debbie and Harry Sydow Legacy Scholarship Fund and the Debt-Free RBC Degree campaign.

The takeaway

The Debbie and Harry Sydow Legacy Scholarship Fund and the Debt-Free RBC Degree campaign reflect Dr. Sydow's commitment to student success and removing financial barriers to higher education. These initiatives will ensure that future generations of RBC students have the resources and support they need to thrive and complete their degrees.