Smart Solutions Founder Bill Julka and His Wife, Dr. Neeraj Julka, Donate $6 Million to CSU.

When Anand “Bill” Julka gifted $6 million to Cleveland State University last month, it was the month’s fifth largest single donation in the United States, according to NOZA, an organization that tracks charitable gifts throughout the nation.

Julka made the donation to support scholarships for local students pursuing degrees in teaching, nursing, engineering and computer science. It was the largest scholarship gift in the University’s 46-year history.

In recognition of Julka’s generosity, CSU has named its newly completed College of Education and Human Services building, Julka Hall. Julka earned his master’s degree in industrial engineering from the University’s Fenn College of Engineering in 1974. For CSU, the gift represents a significant step in the University’s drive to make education more accessible to the students who need it most, said University President Ronald Berkman.

“This was clearly a substantial gift on many levels,” he said. “It means a great deal to all of us, and to learn that it ranks among the largest gifts in the nation really punctuates just how significant it is.”

Julka said his donation comes in support of the leadership of President Ronald Berkman, who has brought a new vision to the University witnessed by his launch of an on-campus K-12 International Baccalaureate School, an innovative Urban Primary Care program in conjunction with NEOUCOM and a $40-million north campus development project.

Julka immigrated to the United States from India at the age of 22 with a few personal belongings and bachelor’s degree from the Indian Institute of Technology. He chose CSU’s graduate school because it offered night classes, which he attended while working days at Eaton Corp.

Eleven years later, Julka founded Smart Solutions, a leading provider of systems integration and networking solutions. Today, Smart Solutions remains headquartered in Cleveland and serves customers in all 50 of the United States and in 20 countries around the world.

Throughout his career, Julka has remained active at CSU. He serves on the Board of the CSU Foundation and is a former member of the Visiting Committee for the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and College of Education and Human Services. He delivers guest lectures and helped establish a tutoring program for students at East High School.

About Cleveland State University

Founded in 1964, Cleveland State University is a public research institution that provides a dynamic setting for engaged learning. With an enrollment of more than 16,000 students, 8 colleges and more than 250 academic programs, CSU provides a hands-on learning environment that connects students, ideas and real-world experience.

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