Case Western Reserve University’s Computer and Data Science Department expanding thanks to financial support from alumnus

Case Western Reserve University has received another gift from longtime benefactor Kevin Kranzusch, who graduated from the university in 1990. Having gone on to become vice president of NVIDIA, a successful technology company, Kranzusch has helped fund numerous efforts at Case Western Reserve University to bolster the Computer and Data Science Department.

According to an article on Case Western Reserve University’s website, Eric W. Kaler, who serves as the president of the university, was quoted as saying of the generosity of Kevin and his wife Lynne, “We appreciate Kevin and Lynne’s continued support for the computer and data sciences department and their commitment to student success. The impact of their initial two investments on enrollment demonstrates the clear demand for expanding computer and data sciences coursework and research. This significant third gift will further strengthen and solidify the department’s long-term success.”

Previously, the Kranzusches donated $5 million to establish the department of Computer and Data Science with the hopes that it would allow Case Western Reserve University to become a forefront institution of technology and innovation. Following that gift in 2019, in 2021, the Kranzusches donated an additional $5 million to endow two professorships and establish a fellowship within the department. 

This current phase of funding from the Kranzusches totals $10 million, broken down into the following segments: $2 million will go toward endowing a third professorship; $3 million will go toward the development of curriculum, faculty project funding, and teaching needs; $2 million will go toward the already-established Kranzusch Fellows Fund; and the final $3 million will be used to support student success.

Kevin Kranzusch explained the breakdown of this funding, saying, “Phase three is primarily about the students. I want to make sure the department can be sustained over time and that the students—both undergrad and grad—actually see the benefits of it. That means bringing in yet another professor, increasing the fellowship grants and funding student activities like student travel, student meetings and probably a lot of student pizza parties—building up that feeling of belonging in the department to make sure it’s all coming together.”

Venkataramanan “Ragu” Balakrishnan, who is the Charles H. Phipps Dean of the Case School of Engineering, said that the continued financial support from the Kranzusches has been instrumental to the department’s success: “Kevin shares our vision for the department and his continued partnership is a key piece of its future. In 2019, he trusted us with a significant investment that has served as the launching pad for growth, including funds to support faculty hires and student experiences. Now, he’s seen the promise the department holds and is helping us take the next steps. Once again, we are extremely grateful.”

For more information about Case Western Reserve University, visit the school’s website.