Upon learning of Strong's "almost miraculous" survival, Carleton was reportedly so moved that he gave $50,000 to the college, the largest single donation made to an American college outside the east at that time. The grateful trustees of the college renamed the school "Carleton College" in his honor, and each year the William Carleton Scholarship is given to select member(s) of the incoming freshman class in recognition of superior achievement and ability.
Upon hearing about Strong's miraculous survival, Carleton was so impressed that he gave $50,000 to the college, which at that time was the largest single donation made outside the east coast. In appreciation, the trustees changed the name of the school to "Carleton College" in his honor, and annually a scholarship is awarded to incoming freshmen with outstanding academic achievements.