Support

Roger and Kayoko Susi

When Roger Susi first learned of plans for what would become the Susi Building, he immediately recognized the power of its interdisciplinary vision. An entrepreneur and founder of two prominent medical technology startups, Susi believes the most meaningful breakthroughs happen when experts across disciplines work together to solve complex challenges.

That belief inspired Roger and his wife, Kayoko, to commit $50 million to the project as one of the lead gifts to CWRU’s Breakthrough Point campaign—an investment matched through the university’s century bond program for a total impact of $100 million. Their support builds on years of philanthropy at CWRU, including the Roger E. Susi First-Year Engineering Experience and an endowed professorship supporting engineering education. He hopes the collaborative environment within the Susi Building will help researchers pursue breakthroughs that improve lives across industries and disciplines. Read about Susi’s gift.

The Kelvin & Eleanor Smith Foundation

Building on a partnership with Case Western Reserve University that spans more than a century, The Kelvin & Eleanor Smith Foundation committed $15 million to the Susi Building, also establishing The Kelvin & Eleanor Smith Foundation Terrace. Through the university’s century bond program, the gift’s total impact comes to $30 million. Read about the foundation’s gift.

James Galm

A three-time alumnus of Case Western Reserve University, James M. Galm committed $10 million to support the Susi Building, with a focus on energy and electrochemistry research. Read about Galm’s gift.

The Veale Foundation 

Building on a long history of support, the Veale Foundation committed $20 million for the Susi Building, also naming the new entry point to Case Quad as the Tinkham Veale Gateway. With a matched century bond, the gift’s total impact comes to $40 million. Learn about the foundation’s effort.

Fred and Brittan DiSanto 

Former Board of Trustees Chair and alumnus Fred DiSanto and his wife, Brittan, committed $7 million to the Susi Building, helping establish the Brittan & Fred DiSanto Family Forum, one of the building’s primary gathering and collaboration spaces. Read about the DiSantos’ gift.

Aarti and Asheem Chandna

University trustee and alumna Aarti Chandna and her husband, Asheem, also an alumnus, committed $5 million to the project and co-chaired the project’s fundraising campaign cabinet. Their support establishes the Aarti and Asheem Chandna Roof Terrace at the Susi Building. Find out about the Chandna's gift.

Case Alumni Association

Leaders of the Case Alumni Association were so inspired by the vision for the Susi Building that they committed $5 million to the project—the biggest gift in the organization’s nearly 140-year history. Learn about the group’s commitment.

The M.E. and F.J. Callahan Foundation

For more than five decades, the Callahan family and their foundation have generously supported higher education, arts and social services nonprofits in Northeast Ohio. They made their latest contribution with $2.5 million for the Susi Building. Read more on the Callahan Foundation.

Larry Enterline and Kathy Richards 

Alumnus Larry Enterline led a career in varied industries—but found his college education always served him well. He and his life partner, Kathy Richards, are now supporting this type of training for future students with a $2.5 million gift to the Susi Building. Read about the couple's gift.

Charles J. “Bud” Koch and Katie Koch

After more than two decades as a CWRU trustee, Charles J. “Bud” Koch and his wife, Katie, were confident the Susi Building would drive even more transformative advances. That’s why they committed $1.25 million to the project, which doubles through a century bond match. See their impact.

Miguel Zubizarreta

CWRU alumnus Miguel Zubizarreta has built his career around advancing discoveries and reshaping industries. It’s the same reason why he and his family committed $1.5 million to the Susi Building, which is matched by a century bond. Learn more about Zubizarreta's commitment.

Frank and Jocelyne Linsalata 

For alumnus Frank Linsalata and his older brother, Ralph (CIT ’60), interdisciplinary skills learned in college were vital career assets. Frank and his wife, Jocelyne, are eager to support future CWRU students with a $1 million commitment to the Susi Building. Read about the Linsalatas’ gift.

Joe Mandato

Joe Mandato didn’t encounter Case Western Reserve University until well into his career, but after earning his doctorate in business here, he knew he’d joined a world-class institution. His experience inspired him to commit $1 million to the Susi Building, which is fully matched by a century bond. Learn about Mandato’s impact.

Tom and Nancy Seitz

Tom Seitz credits the interdisciplinary skills he acquired in college for propelling his successful career; now, he and his wife, Nancy, will make these opportunities possible for new students with a $1 million gift to the Susi Building. A matched century bond doubles the impact. Read more about the Seitzs' commitment.

Larry and Sally Sears

On the Case Western Reserve campus, Larry and Sally Sears are household names thanks to their support of Sears think[box]. Now, they’ve furthered their commitment with a $1 million gift to the Susi Building, which will be matched to double the impact. Discover the Sears’ gift.

James C. and Tammy Wyant

Before his death in Dec. 2023, longtime university supporter James C. Wyant and his wife, Tammy, made one final joint commitment to CWRU: $1 million for the Susi Building. See the impact of their gift.

Senator Sherrod Brown and Representative Shontel Brown

As part of a multi-billion-dollar federal spending package, U.S. Congress approved $963,000 for CWRU to acquire critical research equipment for the Susi Building. Senator Brown and Representative Brown led the charge for this funding. Learn more about Congress’ commitment.

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Michael and Betsy Cherkasky

During their time at CWRU—nearly 15 years, combined—Michael and Betsy Cherkasky never studied science or engineering. Yet when the couple sought to give back to their alma mater, they were confident where their gift would have the greatest impact: the Susi Building. Read about the Cherkaskys' inspiration behind their $1 million commitment.

The Thomas F. Peterson Jr. Charitable Trust

The Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Supporting Foundation

A $2 million grant from the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Supporting Foundation establishes the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Studio—an open-concept space on the Susi Building’s third floor designed to encourage organic partnerships among students and faculty members in the humanities and STEM fields. Learn how the studio will be used.

Timken Foundation of Canton

Continuing a relationship with CWRU that spans decades, the Timken Foundation of Canton committed $5 million to the Susi Building. The gift establishes the Timken Foundation Grand Atrium, a central gathering space designed to connect students, faculty and visitors within a facility built for collaboration and discovery.

The Eric & Jane Nord Family Fund

The Eric & Jane Nord Family Fund committed $8 million in capital support for the Susi Building. Their gift establishes the Eric & Jane Nord Family Floor, supporting the university’s continued growth in collaborative research and innovation. Read about the Nord family’s commitment.

Campaign Cabinet

Co-Chairs

• Aarti and Asheem Chandna

Vice Chairs

• Larry Enterline and Kathy Richards
• Edward Hemmelgarn

Cabinet Members

• Nancy and Tim Callahan
• Brittan and Fred DiSanto
• Joe Fakult 
• Ellen Feldman 
• Julie Gerberding
• David Jargiello
• Joe Keithley
• Bud and Katie Koch
• Frank and Jocelyne Linsalata
• Joe Mandato
• James Ratner 
• Don Richards
• Larry Sears
• Meredith Seikel
• Thomas Seitz
• Shaomeng Wang
• Russell Warren