Donald and Pamela Washkewicz announce $5 million donation at campaign kickoff

CLEVELAND (Friday, May 8, 2015) – Cleveland State University announced it will embark on a $100 million comprehensive campaign, "Engage: The Campaign for Cleveland State University," that will significantly increase available funds for needed scholarships and programs that help students succeed. The plan, which was unveiled today at CSU's signature annual fundraiser, Radiance, is the first-ever fundraising effort of its kind for the University.

The campaign received a significant boost with an announcement at the event from CSU alumnus and Parker Hannifin Chairman Donald Washkewicz that he and his wife, Pamela, have donated $5 million. This is the second major gift since 2014 from the Washkewicz family.

“Cleveland State University is an essential institution that has a special obligation to deliver higher education excellence while maintaining affordability," said CSU President Ronald M. Berkman. "We are extraordinarily grateful to the Washkewicz family for propelling this campaign forward and supporting our mission to be a model for public, urban universities." 

In 2014, Mr. and Mrs. Washkewicz and the Parker Hannifin Foundation donated a combined $10 million. In recognition of the transformational gift, the College of Engineering was renamed in the family's honor. The most recent gift will also be directed to enhancing engineering education at CSU.

"An investment in CSU is an investment in Northeast Ohio," said Mr. Washkewicz." We are very proud to contribute again and we are confident that CSU alumni and the community will join us in responding strongly to this opportunity to build on the University's momentum."

The campaign will be co-chaired by Mr. Washkewicz and Monte Ahuja, both of whom have deep ties to the Northeast Ohio business and civic communities.

Mr. Ahuja is Chairman and CEO of MURA Holdings LLC and served on the CSU Board of Trustees from 1991 to 2000, including six years as chairman. In 2011, he and his wife Usha donated $10 million to CSU. The University renamed the Monte Ahuja College of Business in his honor.

"Cleveland State University is a passion in my life and I am honored to co-chair this campaign with my fellow alumnus Don Washkewicz," said Mr. Ahuja. "This campaign will help ensure the continued success of CSU students and provide a pipeline of graduates who are committed to using their education for the betterment of Northeast Ohio..

CSU has launched a website with additional information about the campaign at www.EngageforCSU.com.