10th annual Radiance celebrates $4.2 million raised for student success
CSU’s 10th Annual Radiance Celebrates $4.2 million Raised
All CSU prospective and current students benefit from Radiance donations
CLEVELAND (May 7, 2021) – Last night, Cleveland State University’s signature fundraising event, Radiance, celebrated $4.2 million raised to support current and prospective CSU students. The 10th annual event, held virtually this year, was hosted by the Cleveland State University Foundation with presenting sponsors: Char and Chuck Fowler, Marjorie B. Shorrock, Lynn and Harlan Sands, PNC, Eaton Corporation, and Cleveland-Marshall Law Alumni Association.
“Radiance provides us with a wonderful opportunity to show donors the impact of their philanthropy. When you support CSU students, you are changing lives. Too many students face serious struggles on the way to college, and those struggles don’t end once they’re Vikings. Our generous donors help lower financial stress and give CSU students the support they need and deserve,” said Julie Rehm, CSU Foundation Executive Director and Vice President of Advancement for CSU.
Since 2010, Radiance has raised more than $10 million and enabled more than 2,000 CSU juniors and seniors to finish their last miles of study and earn their college degrees.
2021 marks the first year that Radiance funding initiatives and scholarship programs will be available to all prospective and current students. Prompted by unprecedented financial hardship brought on by pandemic-triggered job losses and business shutdowns, the CSU Foundation board of directors decided to open the funding pool to students at all stages of their CSU journey.
“This year’s Radiance program highlighted several CSU students whose lives have been changed by the support they’ve received. For over 10 years, Radiance has provided essential financial support to Cleveland State University students; supporting them in their goal of completing their course study, graduating, and becoming part of our workforce and community. The CSU Foundation, in partnership with the University, is profoundly grateful to the supporters who make so many dreams come true. A special thanks to our CSU Foundation Board members and the CSU Advancement team for their efforts in making Radiance possible during this period of time,” said Cleveland State University Foundation Board Chair, Tom Hopkins.
Student success is woven throughout all facets of the university, including providing financial assistance pathways for students that enable them to complete their studies, graduate, and journey onward to rewarding careers. Such programs include the 2—for—1 Tuition Promise in which newly enrolled freshmen pay for their fall semester and the spring semester is free; the Lift up Vikes! program, which offers a food pantry and access to emergency financial assistance for childcare, rent, groceries and car repairs; and numerous additional student scholarship and financial aid programs.
Radiance featured five CSU undergraduate students whose personal stories reflected the impact that the scholarships had on realizing their individual goals of completing their degree programs, despite obstacles along the way.
Radiance also celebrated CSU donors and illuminated their individual and collective generosity. It was noted that the outpouring of support and funding this year exceeded expectations, considering the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
At this year’s virtual event, Bridget and Bernie Moreno and Judy and Bob Rawson were honored as recipients of the President’s Medal, CSU’s highest non-academic recognition, for their support and philanthropy in securing the promise of graduation for CSU students.
CSU President Harlan Sands underscored the impact that donor support has on the lives and futures of numerous CSU students.
“We sincerely thank our donors and friends for their continued support and dedication to our students over the past 10 years,” President Sands said. “The direct financial support for our students is a critical piece of what we do every day at CSU to mitigate challenges, so all students can stay focused on their dreams."
Learn more about Radiance scholarships and Student Success Initiatives at CSU.
View the event: Radiance: CSU Realizing the Promise in its entirety