Arkansas State University has received $9.4 million in grants from Little Rock’s Windgate Foundation, directed for scholarships, arts education and community outreach.
Following proposals from the university, the Windgate Foundation grants have included:
- An investment of $5.2 million to expand need-based scholarships at A-State
- A gift of $3.1 million designated to support the Bradbury Art Museum (BAM) directorship, along with BAM operating expenses, additional storage and facility improvements
- A gift of $1.19 million specified for programs, equipment and materials for the Windgate Center for Three-Dimensional Arts, which opened at A-State in September 2021
“We are incredibly grateful to Windgate Foundation for its continued trust and investment in Arkansas State University,” Chancellor Todd Shields said. “Their belief in the power of education and the arts continues to create lasting change on our campus, across our state and in the lives of our students.”
The Windgate Foundation had previously donated $25 million to ASU in 2021, the largest gift in the university’s history. In 2018, the foundation granted $6.7 million for the university’s arts facility for sculptures and ceramics.
“Windgate Foundation’s donors are long-time supporters of Arkansas State University. It is their wish to establish endowed funds which will perpetuate their giving to the needs of the organization long beyond their lifetime,” said Pat Forgy, Windgate Foundation executive director, in a letter to university officials. “We are proud to be among your supporters, and we look forward to hearing of your successes and future accomplishments.”
“Scholarships change lives. The arts inspire purpose. Windgate’s visionary generosity brings these ideals together in a way that defines what higher education should be,” said ASU System President Dr. Brendan Kelly.
Established in 1993, the Windgate Foundation is a private foundation whose purpose is to advance contemporary craft and strengthen visual arts education.
Feature Photo: The steel structure of the Windgate Hall of Art and Innovation has been “topped out” on the Arkansas State University campus.
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