The University of Akron is grateful for the generous support of alumni, friends, corporations and foundations it receives to achieve its goals. This support enables the University to fund scholarships, fellowships, professorships, campus renovations, new facilities and much, much more.

The Department of Development works with University benefactors matching their philanthropic interests with student and programmatic support opportunities within the University. Often, through these lasting relationships, alumni and friends of the University deepen and enrich their ties to UA and to the students the institution serves.

Kathy Coleman (fifth from right) with family and friends at the Coleman Common groundbreaking ceremony.

Les and Kathy Coleman Common Groundbreaking Ceremony

On Thursday, August 14, 2008, the University held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Les and Kathy Coleman Common, a serene and welcoming place for students to relax and interact, as well as for those who visit the campus.

Nestled on nearly four acres of land south of Buchtel Hall, between the Student Union and the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, Coleman Common will create a majestic front lawn for UA. When all phases of the project are complete, the Coleman Common will feature an open lawn amphitheater, terraces, a labyrinth and a fountain. Dozens of trees will enclose the natural retreat.

Longtime University supporter Kathy Coleman donated $1 million to create the Common.

For more information on the Coleman Common, click here.

Dr. William Muse (far right) and family at the Muse Clock and Garden dedication ceremony.

Dedication of the William V. Muse Clock and Garden

The William V. Muse Clock and Garden were dedicated on Friday, August 15, 2008. The clock and garden honor Dr. Muse, The University of Akron’s 12th president, who served from 1984 to 1992.

University accomplishments under Dr. Muse’s leadership include the acquisition and creation of the current College of Business Administration building, the acquisition of the Polsky building and its parking deck, the creation of the Buchtel Common, the creation of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics, the establishment of the world’s first College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, and the founding of The University of Akron Press.

The clock and garden, located at the corner of Spicer Street and Buchtel Avenue, were made possible by benefactor Dr. Paul Martin, longtime friend of Dr. and Mrs. Muse.