Philanthropy at Work

Campaign is Over-the-Top Success

Publicly launched two years ago, ENGAGE: The Campaign for Cleveland State University, was the first-ever fundraising effort of its kind for the University. Its ambitious goal: $100 million to support student success through scholarships and expand the many initiatives already in place to help students stay in school, graduate and use their knowledge and skills to succeed in their careers and in their lives.

Co-chairs Monte Ahuja, chairman and chief executive officer of MURA Holdings LLC, and Don Washkewicz, former chairman of Parker Hannifin Corporation, are both proud alumni who credit their education for their successful careers.

A delighted President Ronald M. Berkman said, “We are thrilled with the campaign’s success and couldn’t be more grateful to everyone for their support. For many students, a scholarship is the deciding factor in attending college, staying in school and graduating. It’s heartbreaking when academically sound students fail to complete their degree because of finances. Private support enables students to focus on their studies and career preparation, strengthening Northeast Ohio’s workforce and tomorrow’s leaders.

“ENGAGE will help ensure the continued success of CSU students and provide a pipeline of graduates who are committed to using their education for the betterment of Northeast Ohio.”

Radiance

For the third consecutive year, generous donors helped Radiance: CSU Realizing the Promise achieve more than $1 million for scholarships. In fact, this year’s fundraising event set a record of $1.3 million.

“You are giving our students the opportunity to graduate from college and succeed in life,” President Ronald M. Berkman told a crowd of some 500 attendees at the seventh-annual Radiance event.

As part of the festivities, Dr. Berkman awarded the President’s Medal, the University’s most prestigious nonacademic honor, to Rick Chiricosta, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Medical Mutual of Ohio.

Since its inception in 2011, Radiance has raised more than $6.1 million. Through this academic year, more than 1,520 scholarships have been awarded to keep students in school and on track to graduation.