December 11, 2024 - A Historic Moment for UMSL and St. Louis: Announcing the James S. McDonnell Foundation Gift
Dear UMSL Community,
I am thrilled to share a transformative milestone in the history of the University of Missouri–St. Louis. As we continue addressing the critical demand for trained engineers across the St. Louis region and the state of Missouri, we are proud to announce an $8 million gift from the James S. McDonnell Foundation. This extraordinary investment represents one of the largest one-time philanthropic gifts in UMSL’s history and provides significant support for the launch of our UMSL School of Engineering.
This funding will empower UMSL to welcome its first cohort of engineering students next fall, with resources dedicated to attracting top-tier faculty, providing immediate and endowed scholarships, and aligning curriculum with industry needs. Additionally, it will enhance our pre-collegiate Bridge Program with a $1 million endowment to prepare students for STEM success. These efforts will help position our students for high-demand careers while advancing workforce development and inclusive prosperity across the region.
This moment would not be possible without the generous support of the James S. McDonnell Foundation, our state partners, and our broader UMSL community. To all who share in this vision for a thriving, innovative and inclusive St. Louis, thank you. Together, we are building a future where opportunity and impact are within reach for all.
To read more about this exciting development, please visit the full story on UMSL Daily.
Gratefully forward,
Kristin Sobolik
Chancellor, University of Missouri–St. Louis
