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Home > About Us > News > Oishei Foundation Wins 2012 Award for Philanthropy from the Council of

Oishei Foundation Wins 2012 Award for Philanthropy from the Council of Independent Colleges

Buffalo, N.Y. (February 7, 2012) -- The John R. Oishei Foundation is the recipient of the Council of Independent Colleges’ 2012 Award for Philanthropy. Each year, the award is given to a foundation or corporation that has demonstrated leadership and vision that have made a significant difference in the vitality of independent higher education. Many of the organizations that have received this award have also shown a sustained commitment to the independent sector of higher education over a number of years or even decades. The award was presented to Oishei Foundation president, Robert Gioia, at the annual CIC awards banquet held on Marco Island, Florida.

George Martin, chair of the CIC Board of Directors and president of St. Edward’s University (TX); Richard Ekman, president of CIC; and Michele D. Perkins, president of New England College (NH), presented the awards.
 
During his introduction, Ekman said, “These awards are an important way for CIC presidents to celebrate and honor those who encourage us, who contribute generously to our enterprise, and who raise the standards to which we aspire. CIC is extremely pleased to have the opportunity to recognize the individuals who stand as role models for philanthropists and college trustees everywhere and the organizations that have strengthened independent higher education and provided opportunities and access for students.”
 
Previous award winners include the Ford Foundation, The William Randolf Hearst Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and The Walmart Foundation.  
 
“Higher education is a critical partner in the health and well being of our community. Over the years, the Foundation has been pleased to support curriculum enhancement, professional development, capital improvements and scholarships,” said Mr. Gioia. “However, we wanted to do more to ensure that these valued institutions reach their potential and have the greatest impact possible on our region. The Oishei board challenged 21 local colleges and universities to find ways to collaborate in order to strengthen their shared impact on Western New York. They rose to the challenge, participating in the Western New York Consortium of Higher Education. Working together under the WNY College Connection banner, these institutions draw thousands of students to the region, and are among some of our largest employers.”
 
According to the UB Regional Institute, higher education entities in WNY induce:
  
· A 3.2 billion-dollar annual impact on the regional economy; 
· A recurring impact of 2 billion dollars spent directly by the institutions and their students and visitors; 
· As well as a 1.2 billion-dollar ripple effect as these dollars course through the economy.
 
The CIC is the major national service organization for all small and mid-sized, independent, liberal arts colleges and universities in the U.S. CIC focuses on providing services to campus leaders through seminars, workshops, and programs that assist institutions in improving educational offerings, administrative and financial performance, and institutional visibility.
  
The John R. Oishei Foundation strives to be a catalyst for change to enhance the economic vitality and the quality of life for the Buffalo Niagara region. The Foundation was established in 1940 by John R. Oishei, founder of Trico Products Corporation.
 
For additional information, contact Robert D. Gioia (856-9490), president of The John R. Oishei Foundation.