Since the start of this academic year, Cleveland State University’s (CSU) Division of Student Belonging and Success, which focuses on student well-being and academic success, has received philanthropic gifts totaling over $6.4 million to enhance student support services and expand opportunities that help all students reach their educational goals. 

“Our core philosophy is to meet students where they are and help each individual student progress toward their academic goals. These gifts provide comprehensive support to ensure students’ success and completion of their credential and degree programs by offering a high-quality student experience at CSU,” said Dr. Tachelle Banks, Vice President of Student Belonging and Success. “Students often excel in the classroom yet sometimes need extra help managing challenges and responsibilities outside of it. These funded programs and initiatives are an investment in CSU to provide support and resources where students need them most.” 

Recent gifts include: 

• Support for Students who Have Been Impacted by Foster Care: Donors recognize the importance of this program and its positive impact on this unique student population. They have created a long-range funding stream to ensure CSU can continue to support students impacted by foster care to succeed and achieve their academic goals.
• Gund Foundation: A donation supporting the Cleveland Metropolitan School District Learning Community to fund new academic coaching positions that will offer programming and support to CSU students who were Say Yes to Education participants.
• The Leonard Kreiger Fund of the Cleveland Foundation: The gift supports the Unified Academic Coaching program and, specifically, students who require the services of CSU’s Office of Disability and Testing Services.
• George Garretson Wade Charitable Trust: Supports programs that help low-income students remove barriers to graduation and degree completion.
• Reinberger Foundation: Supports the Lift Up Vikes resource center and food pantry on campus. 

“Each of these generous gifts is an investment in our students and in the future of Cleveland,” CSU President Dr. Laura Bloomberg said. “We are deeply grateful for the community partners and donors who are strengthening our ability to support students and create a university where every student has the resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive. I am honored by their confidence in our mission, vision and dedication to student success.” 

To learn more about how supporters are investing in CSU and Cleveland’s future, visit supportcsu.org.