Couple donates $1 million to the College of Education

Maryam Jawaid, Staff Reporter

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The Judith Herb College of Education received a $1 million donation from Janet Keller and her husband Gerald Keller. Janet Keller is a two-time graduate of the college, having received a Bachelor of Education degree in 1960 and a Master of Education degree in 1964.

“We wanted to do something to help others,” Keller said. “I had a wonderful career as a teacher, and I want to help others have that opportunity. We want to see more students become good teachers.”

This donation comes at a special time for the university, considering that the Judith Herb College of Education is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

“A gift like this is just overwhelming, quite honestly,” said Dr. Virginia L. Keil, Interim Dean at the college. “I’m so excited they made the decision, especially in our 100 year anniversary.”

This gift builds upon the Keller’s previously established A. Martin and Ruth Zucker Fund, in memory of her parents, to support scholarships at the college. Mrs. Keller said that the thank -you notes she received from the beneficiaries of this scholarship actually encouraged them to make their $1 million donation.

“The thank -you notes from the students are a delight to both of us — even my husband who is not a graduate of The University of Toledo,” Keller said. “The notes have been overwhelming. It says a lot about the UT students and the culture.”

“I am extremely grateful that people are investing so much into our education,” said third-year education major, Haley Kubicki. “I think this donation could help build up the education program at the university.”

Kubicki said she thinks the donation could be used to develop health or physical education programs at the college. She added that the donation could also help with the audio visual equipment used in the classrooms.

Keil explained that providing money for student scholarships was the primary goal for the Kellers. The Interim Dean added that 60 percent of the donation will go towards scholarships, while the remaining money will be channeled towards various projects to enhance the program.

“They have been very deeply committed to our students for a long time,” said Keil. “It will allow our students to come to school, receiving scholarship dollars. For the college, it means we’re able to help that many more students, as they move through their programs to ultimately end up as professionals in the field.”

Dr. Keil also said that the donors care deeply about the future. Thus, they have found that investing in education is the best way to support the future generations.

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Couple donates $1 million to the College of Education