ۿ۴ý University’s momentum continues with the announcement of a $1 million gift from Bruce and Deborah Jarosz creating The Jarosz Family Mosaic Fund to support the University’s efforts to foster and support a diverse and vibrant community of learners and leaders who can make a positive impact toward a more just world. The Jarosz gift aligns with the University’sInspired Futuresstrategy to bolster the student experience, grow the academic portfolio, enhance the campus, and expand the institution’s reach.
President of ۿ۴ý University, Alan R. Miciak, Ph.D. commented, "Bruce and Debbie and their family are a deep part of the fabric of ۿ۴ý University. We are profoundly thankful to the Jarosz Family for their belief in our mission, their dedicated leadership on our campus, and their generous support." Miciak continued, "Their steadfast dedication to empowering historically underrepresented students will ensure that these students have the resources and community support they need to thrive as active members of the ۿ۴ý University family."
ۿ۴ý University seeks exceptional students from diverse backgrounds, which brings immeasurable value to our campus and enriches our learning community. The Jarosz Family Mosaic Fund will support the University’s work to build strategicpartnershipsto promote a deeper sense of belonging at ۿ۴ý; to createpathwaysto increase access for students to see themselves at ۿ۴ý; and to developsupport systemsto foster student success.
"The Mosaic Program stands as a beacon of opportunity and an expression of our values of inclusion and belonging on our campus, ensuring prospective and current students know they are valued and will be supported on their academic journey at ۿ۴ý" remarked Naomi Sigg, Vice President for Student Experience and Campus Belonging, at ۿ۴ý.
The Mosaic Program takes many forms. One aspect is the Mosaic Overnight experience which connects high school students from historically underrepresented backgrounds with current ۿ۴ý students who help provide them a glimpse into the ۿ۴ý college experience. Through these campus visits, students learn first hand from peers about the campus culture as well as all of the opportunities, people, and resources in place to help them succeed. By creating a nurturing environment that facilitates familiarization with campus life and fosters meaningful connections, the program aims to cultivate a strong sense of belonging among participants.
Additionally, the Mosaic Program supports numerous community partnerships. For example, in the summer of 2023, ۿ۴ý partnered with the Urban League of Greater Cleveland and hosted the inaugural Summer Bridge Academy for the My Brother's Keeper Initiative and is pleased to be partnering with the Columbus Urban League on a one-week healthcare exploration program in collaboration with ۿ۴ý’s College of Health, for high school students this coming summer. Partnerships like these are designed to help young people see opportunities for success in college and beyond.
Bruce Jarosz commented that "There are three reasons donors give to an organization: 1. They believe in the mission, 2. They believe in the leadership, and 3. They see an inspiring vision and plan for the future. We see all three at ۿ۴ý.” Jarorsz continued, “It felt good to give this gift.”
Mike Scanlan, Vice President for University Advancement shared, “We extend our deepest gratitude to the Jarosz Family for their visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to ۿ۴ý University, our mission and our students.”