Giving Day Sets Records!

Thanks to everyone who helped make CSU’s sixth-annual Giving Day another record-breaking success! Nearly 2,000 donors made gifts totaling $305,000 in a 24-hour period — shattering last year’s $269,000 total.

Donors represented 45 of the 50 states — only Alaska, North Dakota, Wyoming, New Mexico and Mississippi were missing. Ohio was tops, with 1,272 generous donors. In addition, donors around the world joined in the fun, with gifts coming from Aruba, Australia, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Giving Day supports student success and has evolved into a friendly competition across academic Colleges, athletic teams and other units.  Again this year, Athletics led the way, with gifts totaling more than $210,000. Other “winners” were C|M|LAW, the Alumni Association and Washkewicz College of Engineering.

Conducted largely online, the 24-hour fundraising campaign used a crowdfunding platform combined with email marketing and a robust social media presence. Donors who pledged “challenge gifts” helped maximize the impact of group efforts.

“Thank you to everyone who enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to support their favorite College, sport or program. The benefit to our students is enormous,” said Berinthia R. LeVine, vice president, University Advancement and executive director, CSU Foundation.

Didn’t have a chance to participate in Giving Day? 
Visit supportcsu.org to make your gift today.

Scholarships Make Dreams Come True

CSU’s annual celebration of scholarship luncheon brought together hundreds of generous donors who support scholarships and students who received the awards.

“The individuals and businesses who support scholarships are helping students achieve their dreams,” said Berinthia R. LeVine, vice president for University advancement and executive director, CSU Foundation. “We are most grateful.”

Attending his first scholarship lunch, President Harlan Sands said CSU “is all about student success. It drives everything we do.

“When you give to Cleveland State, you are investing in our students and their future,” he added.

Alumnus Ted Laufik, BBA ’77 and MBA ’86, spoke on behalf of donors. The chief financial officer and chief compliance officer at Cyprium Partners created an endowed scholarship for business students and serves on the Monte Ahuja College of Business Visiting Committee.

“I can’t imagine my life without CSU,” he said. “I was an inner-city, first-generation college student.
I got a great education that led to a great career and rubbed shoulders with people who became mentors. Giving back to CSU is a priority and I am proud to help bridge the financial gap for students who need support.”

Radiance scholarship recipient Amanda Pacanovsky spoke on behalf of students. The English major graduated this May and was the first in her family to do so.

She balanced her studies with numerous leadership positions on campus, including Presidential Student Ambassador, orientation leader, peer mentor, success coach, and teacher at MC²STEM high school.

“I am committed to making a difference. I tell my CSU story in hopes of inspiring others to consider the life-changing power of philanthropy,” she said.