By Anna Toth
In 2015, Cleveland State launched ENGAGE: The Campaign for Cleveland State University, with the intent of raising $100 million in donations. On Sept. 14, it was announced that the university had passed that goal in just two years and had raised $114 million.
The website for ENGAGE says that the $100 million goal would provide scholarships to high-achieving or high-need students, as well as helping college graduates attain jobs within their career.
“Cleveland State University is dedicated to providing the academic guidance, career support and financial assistance that helps our students earn their degrees on time and assists them in becoming productive community leaders,” said President Ronald M. Berkman at CSU’s annual donor recognition ceremony.
“ENGAGE has been essential in helping us provide the support necessary to accomplish these goals, particularly for our most needy students.”
Notable Cleveland State alumni Monte Ahuja and Donald Washkewicz served as co-chairs for ENGAGE: the Campaign. Ahuja is the founder and CEO of Transtar Industries, while Washkewiczis was the former CEO of Parker Hannifan corporation.
Both of the men were in attendance at Cleveland State’s annual donor recognition ceremony, where President Berkman highlighted some of what the school has done and plans to do with the money donated.
Cleveland State alumni, community leaders, foundations and corporations from Northeast Ohio and elsewhere helped contribute to the campaign. According to a press release on the university’s website, 22 donors gave $1 million or more, and half of the donations raised for ENGAGE were specifically aimed toward creating scholarships for students.
EngageForCSU.com lists some scholarship recipients and donors, as well as highlighting some of the university’s accomplishments and key selling points.