Central State receives contributions worth $7M

Central State has received over $7 million in contributions from philanthropist Frank Murphy, University Housing Solutions and SodexoMAGIC to support initiatives that are transforming the university, President Dr. Cynthia Jackson-Hammond announced Friday.

“These abundantly generous contributions from Frank Murphy and University Housing Solutions will significantly boost our abiding mission of providing a quality student life experience,” Jackson-Hammond said. “Together, with our growing relationship with SodexoMAGIC and our trailblazing hemp research, today’s announcements will provide a constructive and lasting impact on our campus, our community and the state of Ohio.”

Murphy’s $2 million contribution, the largest donation in Central State’s 132-year history, is designated for endowment and will support development of the historic power plant built in 1926 into a student success center.

University Housing Solution’s

$3.2 million will support construction of a 5,000-squarefoot Wellness Center, which is part of a new apartment-style student housing complex.

The 103,985-square-foot complex, which is currently under construction, will accommodate about 250 students and is expected to open this fall.

SodexoMAGIC’s $1.9 million will help update the university’s athletic facilities, replace the grass field with a turf field for football and soccer, and upgrade the track to championship caliber.

New collaborations with SodexoMAGIC will also provide a new dining option for students, offer internships and educational opportunities for employees, and target new experiential learning opportunities for its students.