University unveils Gateway for Greatness campaign at Founders Dinner
Special to The American
Express Scripts Inc. knows what it means to be a good neighbor, and they have proven that with $4 million in gifts to the University of Missouri-St. Louis since announcing in 2005 that the company was moving its world headquarters to the UMSL campus.
The contributions include $2.5 million from the company and $500,000 from Express Scripts Chief Executive Officer and Chairman George Paz and his wife, Melissa, both announced recently. The Express Scripts Foundation previously donated $1 million to the university.
All the gifts were made as part of UMSL’s Gateway for Greatness campaign. The comprehensive campaign was unveiled at the university’s annual Founders Dinner before a crowd of 650 friends and supporters at the Ritz Carlton in Clayton. The evening included recognition of a parade of St. Louis business and cultural leaders and alumni, all longtime friends of UMSL who have invested millions of dollars in the future of the institution.
“This is an exciting time to be a part of UMSL,” said UMSL Chancellor Tom George. “We are proud of how far we have come in just 46 years. But there is still much work to be done.”
The Gateway for Greatness campaign began quietly in 2005 with a goal of raising a minimum of $100 million by 2012. What may have seemed like an impossible dream then has turned into a reality.
Martin Leifeld, vice chancellor for University Advancement at UMSL, announced at Founders Dinner that the university has raised $83 million toward that goal.
Leifeld also revealed Express Scripts to be this year’s recipient of the Des and Mary Ann Lee Medal for Philanthropy.
Express Scripts CEO Paz said it was important to give to UMSL.
“Express Scripts is helping expand the university’s capacity to serve the region through college preparatory programs, scholarships, capital improvements and additional opportunities,” he said.
“In return, the university is retaining the best and brightest for the region, building an educated and skilled workforce, and advancing research, technological and scientific excellence.”
Many Express Scripts employees are UMSL graduates, Paz noted.
“Because of UMSL and its partnerships, the region benefits from a better-educated workforce, one continually supplied with the skills that businesses need right now and for a prosperous future,” he said.
Express Scripts’ most recent gift to the university will fund scholarships for outstanding students demonstrating a financial need and also fund areas of growth at UMSL that will be determined by both parties in the future.
“Years ago, I was that student – I too received assistance that made it possible for me to become the first member of my family to graduate from college,” said Paz, a business administration alumnus of UMSL (BSBA 1982).
“I received an excellent education from this world-class university, and it changed my life. Much of the support from Express Scripts is to ensure young people with potential receive the same opportunity.”
Express Scripts and UMSL are more than just neighbors. The Fortune 500 company has opened its doors for UMSL students through internships and career opportunities. UMSL faculty members have worked side by side with Express Scripts on several projects to the benefit of the region. In addition, Express Scripts has provided financial support to the university’s award-winning Bridge Program, an enrichment initiative that helps local high school students matriculate to college.
The partnership also has led to an economic benefit in North County. Express Scripts places 2,500 employees on UMSL’s campus and the company helped the university launch an IT incubator to bring new businesses to this part of the county.
UMSL Chancellor George praised ESI and all campaign contributors for their enthusiastic support of the university and the region.
“UMSL and Express Scripts have worked hard to craft a lasting education-based partnership,” he said. “We are proud and honored to recognize this company and all the university’s friends who are eager to collaborate with our institution to improve this region.”
Visit http://www.umsl.edu/campaign to learn more about the Gateway for Greatness campaign.
