Women & Philanthropy, a volunteer organization that promotes The University of Toledo through grants to UT initiatives, has given 2016 grants in the amount of $81,545
The first grant for $31,465 was awarded to the Instrumentation Center for the construction of an interactive display titled “Living Science: The Ever-Changing Periodic Table.”
“A University Woman,” a glass sculpture by local artist Tom McGlauchlin, serves as the logo for Women & Philanthropy at The University of Toledo. The piece is located in the Carlson Library concourse and was made possible by the group’s first grant in 2008.
The proposed location for the 3-D display is the entrance that connects Wolfe Hall and the Bowman-Oddy Laboratories. Viewers will be able to scan the display with their smartphones and be taken to a UT webpage explaining the specific exhibit.
Dr. Kristin Kirschbaum, director of the UT Instrumentation Center, believes the display will become a focal point for visitors to The University of Toledo, as well as for faculty, staff and students.
“We are honored and beyond excited to receive funding for the ‘Living Science’ project,” Kirschbaum said. “Through this generous gift, we will bring the many diverse talents at UT together creating a unique display for UT and the Toledo community for learning and exploring. The Wolfe Hall exhibit will not only show the fun in science, but will bring attention to the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and will highlight the community of The University of Toledo.”
The second grant in the amount of $50,080 went to the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics for the completion of an active learning classroom for use in science and math courses, as well as by other colleges and departments at the University.
The purpose of this project is to convert Wolfe Hall Room 2238 into a technology-assisted active learning classroom with space for 45 students. Funds from Women & Philanthropy will be used to cover the purchase and installation of furniture, white boards, carpeting, and other technology and non-technology needs.
Once completed, students will be able to work in groups with increased student-to-student and teacher-to-student interaction. This state-of-the-art teaching and learning space will allow the advancement of science and math teaching methods, and will incorporate best practices for collaborative student learning in these courses.
“We are really excited that Women & Philanthropy will be supporting the conversion of space in Wolfe Hall into an active learning classroom focused on science and math education,” Dr. John Plenefisch, associate dean for the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, said. “Having this space dedicated to active and collaborative learning will be a significant contribution to the quality student learning experience we have here at The University of Toledo.”
Women & Philanthropy at The University of Toledo was chartered in 2006 and made its first award to UT in 2008. Through this giving circle, members of diverse backgrounds and interests work collaboratively to make positive, meaningful and immediate impacts at the University.
Over the past nine years, Women & Philanthropy has given a total of 15 grants totaling $358,446 to The University of Toledo, according to Chris Spengler, director of advancement relations in Advancement, who is a member and administrative contact for Women & Philanthropy.
Through their generous support, members of Women & Philanthropy have created a permanent legacy at The University of Toledo.
“Our goal is to unify and collaborate with many women to make a difference at The University of Toledo,” said Marianne Ballas, chair of Women & Philanthropy at The University of Toledo. “These gifts are examples of what we can do with a membership of only 70 women. We invite all women to research our group and consider a membership.
“Collective and collaborative giving is powerful, and that’s what Women & Philanthropy is all about,” she added.
Applications for 2017 grants will be available in late fall.
Additional information about Women & Philanthropy is available at http://utole.do/womenphilanthropy.
