Empowering student success

The Wright State University Foundation has received a $50,000 Power Grant from the Dayton Power and Light Company Foundation to support ArtsGala, programming in the Creative Arts Center and engineering workforce development.

“We are so thankful to the DP&L Foundation for their generous support of Wright State University’s students,” said Rebecca Cole, vice president for advancement and president of the Wright State University Foundation. “DP&L is one of Wright State’s most valued corporate partners. They have supported our great university for more than four decades, and we look forward to our continued collaboration in the years to come.”

The $50,000 Power Grant is the fifth of five grants, totaling $250,000, from the DP&L Foundation. All of the grants have been utilized to support the following initiatives:

• ArtsGala: One of Dayton’s premier arts events, this annual fundraiser showcases Wright State’s most talented students in the fine and performing arts. Since its inception in 2000, ArtsGala has raised more $2.7 million and provided more than 800 scholarships. The 2019 ArtsGala takes place April 13.

• Creative Arts Center: The DP&L Foundation was a valued partner in the expansion and modernization of Wright State University’s Creative Arts Center, which was completed in 2016. DP&L also serves as the Presenting Sponsor of the opening play that kicks off each theatre season at Wright State.

• Engineering Workforce Development: As part of the university’s Engineering Student Success Initiative, Wright State has partnered with the DP&L Foundation to improve its outreach to area high schools and create a pipeline of students studying engineering and entering the workforce. Thanks to DP&L’s support, Wright State’s engineering faculty have been able to visit 65 Southwest Ohio schools annually to meet with nearly 3,000 high school students in Advanced Placement science, math and physics classes.

From left: Holly Wiggins, director of community and corporate social responsibility at Dayton Power & Light; Kathryn Storm, director of asset and performance management at AES Corporation; Cheryl B. Schrader, Wright State president; and Travis Greenwood, chair of the Wright State University Foundation Board of Trustees.

“The DP&L Foundation is powering community by making sustainable and positive impacts for future generations,” said Holly Wiggins, director of community and corporate social responsibility. “We are proud to recognize Wright State University as a DP&L Foundation Power Grant recipient who, in partnership with our other grantees, share their dedication, tenacity and passion to drive community building, helping to make Dayton a great place to live, work and play.”