A $2 million gift from philanthropist and venture capitalist John Martinson will help University of Delaware Honors College students go further, both at Delaware and  beyond, as the college celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Martinson's first gift to UD will establish the Martinson Honors Excellence Initiative and the John H. Martinson Scholars Fund, which will begin supporting honors students right away.

“UD Honors has welcomed curious, driven students for 50 years, and John's gift further strengthens what makes the experience so special: close mentorship, experiential learning and preparation for what comes next,” said UD President Laura Carlson.

For about 30 years, Martinson funded university programs designed to improve K-12 STEM curriculum and teaching methods, including professional development for teachers. When he decided to move into a new area of philanthropy, he began exploring honors education and found that, at the three institutions he attended, honors was a low-key effort with little philanthropy behind it, even though he was among the largest donors to all three.

"I could see that [honors students] were among the very best students at the University, so I was excited about their progress, their potential and, most importantly, their motivation to advance their careers and contributions to their profession, society and community," he said.

The Martinson initiative will strengthen the Honors College in four areas:

• Faculty engagement and mentorship: A group of dedicated departmental mentors who will help Honors students make the most of their time at UD and connect with one another, faculty, staff and alumni.

• High-impact practices: Enrichment awards that will let students pursue global learning, field-based experiential learning and opportunities such as presenting research at professional conferences.

• Professional and career development: New seminars, workshops and events that help students build the skills and knowledge they will need to succeed after UD.

• Honors John H. Martinson Scholars: A cohort of upperclassmen leaders who will receive enrichment awards to pursue self-selected, co-curricular, high-impact learning experiences.

Martinson sees the initiative as enrichment layered on top of UD's existing strengths, which include exceptional faculty and courses and living-learning communities. The initiative is designed to help students "get off to a successful, fast start when they leave Delaware," whether they are headed to top graduate schools and fellowships or into the job market. Martinson calls these students "super achievers" and believes that supporting them lifts the next level of students as well.

The gift arrives at a milestone moment. UD's Honors Program began in 1976 and became the Honors College in 2020. Today, it brings together more than 2,000 students from every discipline across the University and is ranked No. 11 in the nation by College Transitions. The honors community kicked off its anniversary celebration on Sept. 19, 2026, during the football home opener weekend, and more events are planned over the next couple of years.

“As we celebrate the Honors College's 50th anniversary, we are especially thankful for a gift that both honors our history and helps shape our future,” said Honors College Dean Michael Chajes. “For five decades, Honors has challenged generations of students to think deeply, pursue ambitious ideas and make a difference in the world around them. I deeply respect John Martinson and feel honored that he has placed his trust in UD Honors. Through his generosity, we will be able to build on legacy and help ensure that the next 50 years are filled with even greater opportunities for the students who will follow.”

Martinson said the program's longevity is part of what sets UD apart. 

"Delaware has had a high level of engagement and support of [Honors] for most of those 50 years," he said. “I’m pleased that one of the better programs in the country seeks to be even more effective and successful." 

Martinson also noted that many honors students come from out of state, choosing UD over honors programs in their home states. 

"I'm really impressed with Delaware's ability to have a larger program than the size of school typically would have," he said.

Another standout is the Honors College Dean's Advisory Council, whose alumni and friends give their time to attend events, organize programs and advise the college's leadership.

Honors student Aubryanna Jarchow, a chemical engineering major in the Class of 2029, is looking forward to what the initiative will bring.

“This gift is an incredible vote of confidence for UD's already amazing Honors College,” she said. “It will give honors students access to many more opportunities for career development and community building within the College. I'm excited to see Honors grow and continue impacting the lives of so many future students.”

Martinson's gift follows another donor's commitment to UD Honors earlier this year.

Jeremie M. Axe, M.D., a UD trustee and donor who graduated from the Honors Program in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts in biological sciences, said Honors looks different today than when he was a student. 

“The biggest difference is having an Honors College. The opportunities that now exist because of the College highlight the positive changes that were not available to me over 20 years ago,” Axe said. “So, I do feel that supporting the College is very important to encourage students to become more worldly, help them to understand all the avenues where they can use their honors degree in the future and increase the impact of the honors degree itself.” 

He also looks ahead to what more support could mean for the college. 

“Giving back to Honors can help the College continue to be a true recruiting magnet for the University and elevate our national presence,” he said.

For fellow philanthropists weighing a gift of their own, Martinson calls Honors a low-risk investment. 

"You're already backing top students who have already demonstrated that they can do high-quality work and have potential and aspirations for considerably more," he said.

To learn more about supporting the Honors College or to give to the Honors College 50th Anniversary Fund, visit this page or contact TJ Cournoyer at tjc@udel.edu.