By Michelle Hines, University Relations
Contact: (336) 334-5371
Posted 7-31-07
GREENSBORO, NC – Three Greensboro foundations have given UNCG $105,000 to fund scholarships and fellowships for students in the Master’s of Public Affairs degree program and the Nonprofit Management certificate program.
The Cemala and Bryan Foundations each gave UNCG $45,000 to be distributed in $15,000 increments over the next three years, while the Toleo Foundation gave $15,000 to be distributed in $5,000 increments during that same period.
“We certainly feel that this kind of support is essential for us to be able to connect students with the community in terms of government and nonprofit work,” said Dr. Ken Klase, who directs the MPA program within the Department of Political Science.
Klase said the gifts will provide scholarships for part-time students as well as a number of full-time student fellowship positions. About 60 percent of MPA students are part-time students already employed full-time by local governments or nonprofit organizations, Klase said. Completing the MPA gives them valuable public management skills and upward mobility in the field.
“Working in government and the nonprofit sector, students don’t always have the financial support to pursue a master’s degree on their own.”
Cemala support for scholarships for part-time students and for MPA summer internships over the last two years has benefited a wide range of local nonprofits, Klase said. These agencies included YMCA, YWCA, Eastern Music Festival, Family Services of the Piedmont, Sanctuary House, Welfare Reform Liaison Project, the Volunteer Center of Greensboro, National Conference for Community and Justice, Piedmont Triad, Inc., Local Ministries at Westover Church and Housing Greensboro, Inc. The Cemala Foundation is a private family foundation established in 1986 by Martha A. and Ceasar Cone II. Cemala has been a longtime supporter of UNCG’s MPA program.
The Bryan Foundation is a charitable organization established after the death of Joseph M. Bryan. Bryan, a Greensboro businessman, worked to develop the Greensboro community through his leadership and philanthropy. In 1987, the UNCG Board of Trustees voted to name the School of Business and Economics in his honor and in recognition of his leadership and support to the school and the community.
The Toleo Foundation was founded by Leonard and Tobee Kaplan. Founded in 1982 as the Kaplan Family Foundation, it became the Toleo Foundation in 1996. The organization is dedicated to promoting education, community institutions and Jewish causes.
Klase hopes other local donors will provide additional support for MPA students. New scholarships are being created through the UNCG Students First Campaign, which is seeking to raise more than $68 million for scholarships as part of its $100 million goal.
For more information on the MPA program, contact Klase at (336) 256-0510 or visit the MPA web site at http://www.uncg.edu/psc/mpa/.
