” On Tuesday afternoon, University of Akron President Luis Proenza announced that the University has passed its $500 million goal set as a part of the Aspire. Attain. Advance. campaign. Proenza announced the goal was surpassed by $106.5 million bringing the total to $606.”
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On Tuesday afternoon, University of Akron President Luis Proenza announced that the University has passed its $500 million goal set as a part of the Aspire. Attain. Advance. campaign.

Proenza announced the goal was surpassed by $106.5 million bringing the total to $606.5 million in donations for UA.

Today, more than ever, there is a tremendous opportunity to help secure the future for The University of Akron, our students and our region, he said. The ongoing support of our friends and alumni provides hope for our students and for our community. We are grateful and we are fortunate.

Proenza spoke of a major corporate donor. He was unable to name the company however, he stated they were local and donated in the range of $100 million.

Regardless of the current economy, Proenza stated that it showed a testament to the university’s quality.

The university was far better an institution than anyone had ever recognized, even itself, Proenza said. We knew it was there, we knew it was possible.

Since Proenza came in 1999, the university has more than doubled annual giving that UA receives in gifts and donations.

When I came to the University of Akron a little over 10 years ago I said that no university president has the right to expect or actually find the amount of excellence I have found here, Proenza said.

While the impact of these donations may not be as evident or noticeable as InfoCision Stadium, he said they were around.

It’s not only in the literal physical campus, but it’s in the tools that are now available, he said pointing to artwork, plaques and furniture as examples.

This money also goes back to students in the form of scholarships.

Most of the dollars that accrue to the university in endowments go to scholarships, he said.

While the donations are appreciated, Proenza stated that often the money has a specific designation attached to it.

About $30 million of that was intended for the new stadium, while the major corporate gift is already in use he said.

The money will also help finance the new polymer science and engineering building that will be built south of Lincoln building. However, the major financing behind the project came from a previous commitment that was made.

That project is set to be completed be fall 2010.

Since Proenza arrived in January of 1999 enrollment at the University of Akron has risen from around 21,000 to currently 26,000.

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