Women & Philanthropy, a volunteer organization that promotes The University of Toledo through investments and grants to UT initiatives, has awarded 2014 grants totaling $33,900.
The first grant, in the amount of $21,400, has been awarded to the Catharine S. Eberly Center for Women to create a computer lab. This funding was used to purchase computers, a smart board and a printer that allowed the center to continue to provide developmental training to the UT campus community and the greater Toledo area. The newly created computer, located in Tucker Hall, to be primarily dedicated to Eberly Center classes, will bear the name Women & Philanthropy at The University of Toledo.
“The Eberly Center staff and customers are grateful for the generosity of Women & Philanthropy,” said Dr. Shanda Gore, associate vice president and executive director of the Eberly Center. “We are honored to be recognized for the impact we have on the community. With this gift, we can better prepare those who want to go back to school or learn new computer software by expanding our computer classes with this dedicated computer lab.”
The second grant, in the amount of $12,500, has been awarded to the College of Adult and Lifelong Learning in conjunction with the Adult, Transfer and Military Admission Office to create the Women & Philanthropy Student & Family Room. This room will be located near the entrance of the office suite of the college and will be used when meeting with prospective students and their families to complete admission paperwork, discuss next steps, review transcripts, and learn more about the University. The vision is to create a welcoming space for students and that relates to their nontraditional needs.
Beth Gerasimiak, senior director in the College of Adult and Lifelong Learning, said, “We are very honored to be selected to receive a grant from Women & Philanthropy and appreciate the opportunity to enhance our facilities to better provide a welcoming campus experience and comprehensive services for adult, transfer and military students.”
Dr. Dennis Lettman, dean of the College of Adult and Lifelong Learning, added, “I wish to thank Women & Philanthropy for supporting our efforts to create an adult and family friendly environment at UT. Adults face many challenges in returning to college, and this project will provide additional comfort and encouragement as they work with both our college and the Adult, Transfer and Military Admission Office staff to achieve their lifelong goals.”
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 and pool their charitable gift dollars to make positive, meaningful and immediate impacts at the University.
In just seven years, the group has gifted $248,831 in 12 grants to the University, according to Chris Spengler, director of advancement relations in Institutional Advancement, 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. 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,” said Marianne Ballas, chair of Women & Philanthropy at The University of Toledo.
Applications for 2015 grants will be available in late fall.
Additional information about Women & Philanthropy is available here.
