Case Western Reserve University has announced a commitment of more than $20 million from alumnus Joel Roth (’58) to establish a leadership institute designed to prepare students to address the increasingly complex challenges that face the world.

In addition to helping create the institute, the gift will provide full-tuition scholarships to up to eight undergraduates per year. Known as Roth Scholars, the students also will have access to programming that includes academic and practical experiences as well as interactions with accomplished leaders from multiple disciplines. The university’s first cohort of Roth Scholars will arrive on campus this fall, chosen from students admitted as first-year undergraduates. 

In addition, the university announced the selection of Andrea Hauser as the Roth Institute’s founding director. A scholar of higher education leadership, she brings extensive experience in developing and executing student leadership programs as well as university teaching and advising. 

“The problems are getting bigger and bigger, and more and more lasting,” said Roth, who earned a degree in civil engineering. “The Roth Institute will provide highly motivated, quality students a broad array of experiences that will help them become leaders who solve problems and change the future.”

(Photo Credit: Getty Images/fizkes)