The University of Akron launches fundraising campaign to honor its sesquicentennial
As The University of Akron begins to celebrate its sesquicentennial marking 150 years in higher education, it will also launch a fundraising campaign to honor the people, place and promises that have made the institution flourish.
“We Rise Together – The Campaign for The University of Akron” kicks off today with a goal of raising $150 million in new funds for the University.
The campaign is designed to support a variety of needs that fit into three categories:
- Lift our people – Includes scholarship monies for tuition, fees, room and board; support for retention initiatives; book scholarships; ZipAssist for short-term emergency needs; and funding for 150 Rising Zips Scholarships.
- Elevate this place – Includes endowments for faculty and leadership; faculty research and equipment; instruction beyond the classroom; and visiting professors and lecturers.
- Live up to our promises – Includes support for student innovation and entrepreneurship; high-demand transdisciplinary programs; STEM undergraduate programs; art, music, dance and theatre; emergency housing support; excellence in athletics; and campus enhancement.
“It’s up to all of us to ensure that The University of Akron remains an institution of opportunity and distinction for generations to follow,” said President Gary L. Miller. “We must celebrate and learn from the past as we plan for the future. The support and commitment of the community enables us to accomplish what John Buchtel set out to do 150 years ago when he established this University. Together, we can make it happen.”
“We are setting an ambitious $150-million goal that we believe will help the University remain on an upward trajectory,” said Kim Cole, vice president for development and executive director of The University of Akron Foundation. “Our goal is to raise $50 million to ensure that potential students can come to Akron — and that they get a quality experience while they’re here. Another $50 million raised will strengthen our faculty by recruiting, retaining and empowering the people that make this place the best that it can be every day. And, an additional $50 million in gifts will be meant to secure our future, cementing our status as a competitive urban research university and a place of innovative educational offerings.”
Learn more about how your gift can inspire a Zip.
Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or cboyd @uakron.edu.