Latest news with #ofTrustees
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
University of Memphis to increase tuition by almost 5% for upcoming school year
In-state University of Memphis students will be paying more for tuition and mandatory fees for the upcoming school year. The increase, voted on by the University of Memphis Board of Trustees on June 4, is 4.92%. For a typical 15-hour course load per semester for undergraduate students, the increase will equate to $264. The university said in a press release the decision to raise tuition comes in response to rising operational costs. "This increase reflects our ongoing commitment to preserving academic excellence and student success while maintaining affordability," said Board of Trustees President Cato Johnson in a statement. "We are making targeted investments that will strengthen the student experience and prepare our graduates for success.' The university said the revenue from the additional tuition costs will help "support a range of University priorities." Some of the specific reasons are: The launch of a new Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the Lambuth Campus, set to begin in fall 2026; The launch of The Polytechnic @ UofM Initiative, focused on workforce needs in applied technology fields such as advanced manufacturing, applied cybersecurity, applied artificial intelligence, and organizational leadership; Needed staffing and operational support for the university's new University Crime Information Center; Expanded programming in the division of student affairs and renewed funding for the office of first-generation student success, which lost federal support this year; and Cost increases tied to software, utilities and property insurance. The Tennessee Higher Education Commission has to approve tuition increases above 6.5%, but since the university's increase is below that, the move does not have to be approved. According to the Education Data Initiative, the cost of tuition at public 4-year institutions increased 36.7% from 2010 to 2023. Brooke Muckerman covers education and children's issues for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: University of Memphis increasing tuition for upcoming school year
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Northbrook residents demand removal of sign featuring Nazi symbol
NORTHBROOK, Ill. — In downtown Northbrook, a longstanding free speech zone is the focus of a new uproar with some neighbors saying it has now crossed the line into hate speech. 'It was terrible. It was just gut wrenching. It was shocking,' Jeff Kaminsky said. A sign at the corner of Shermer Road and Walters Avenue reads 'Northbrook stands with migrants' and shows a blue inverted triangle, which is a Nazi symbol. 'I live a block away. I can see it if I walk outside my door and come half a block up. I'm very upset by this,' Lisa Beth Gansberg with Friends of United Hatzalah said. 'This is a trigger. It just incites further violence.' As WGN was interviewing Gansberg, the man who created the sign, Lee Goodman, walked up to the corner. 'I just want to ask you what's your thought behind the triangle,' she asked him. Goodman turned away, saying he didn't want to speak with her on camera. But he did speak with WGN about the political message he's trying to send with the controversial sign. 'The blue triangle was worn by migrants in Nazi concentration camps in World War II and now that our president is sending people to a concentration camp in El Salvador, migrant groups have decided to adopt the blue triangle as a symbol of strength and resistance,' Goodman said. It's a symbol of hate and antisemitism, according to Kaminsky. 'He is weaponizing free speech, he's weaponizing the first amendment for shock, for Holocaust trauma,' Kaminsky said. A permanent sign at the corner tells anyone who reads it that the Village of Northbrook doesn't sponsor or endorse the temporary expressions. But anyone who wants to place a message there does have to submit it to the village manager's office for approval. 'They give a permit to virtually anyone,' Goodman said. Only adding to the offense, the sign is standing during Jewish American Heritage Month. 'If they truly believe hate has no home in Northbrook… that those words have meaning, to stand with the Jewish community, fight antisemitism, then they must take that sign down,' Kaminsky said. The Village of Northbrook issued the following statement regarding the sign: 'The Village President and Board of Trustees are aware of questions and concerns regarding a privately installed sign currently on display at the northwest corner of Shermer Road and Walters Avenue, a Village public forum area. For a half a century, the site has been a designated First Amendment Free Speech public forum for private individuals to display messages. There is a prominent sign on the public forum site clearly stating that the private display is not endorsed by the Village of Northbrook, and that no public funds have been used in connection with the display. All displays on the public forum are installed by private individuals or organizations at their own expense. The Village is permitted by law to restrict size and duration of displays, which it does. Northbrook is home to people of many backgrounds and communities of faith. As neighbors, we promote peaceful dialogue, dignity, and respect, and we reject hate and discrimination in all forms. We stand together as one community. At the regularly scheduled meeting of the Village Board on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 7:30 p.m., public comments are welcome by our residents.' The Chicago Jewish Alliance issued the following statement: 'Red Triangle. Blue Triangle. Nazi Symbols. Not Protest Props. In Nazi Germany, colored triangles weren't fashion statements. They were tools of state-sponsored dehumanization and precursors to murder. The red triangle marked political enemies targeted for destruction. Today, Hamas resurrects it to mark Israelis for death. The blue triangle labeled stateless refugees—people with no protection, no home, and no rights. Now in Northbrook, Illinois, both symbols are being grotesquely repurposed by Lee Goodman—a man who parades in a self-made Nazi prisoner uniform and exploits Holocaust imagery to cast himself as a modern-day victim on public land sanctioned by the Village. This is not remembrance. This is not protest. It is trauma theater. It is Holocaust appropriation. It is incitement. The Village of Northbrook has adopted resolutions against antisemitism and hate. Yet it allows this spectacle to remain. Tonight, we call on Northbrook to live up to its values: 1. Remove the display immediately. 2. Publicly condemn Lee Goodman for weaponizing Holocaust symbols. 3. Stop using public land to showcase provocateurs who harm and divide. 4. Stand with the Jewish community in action, not just rhetoric. Because when Holocaust trauma becomes street theater and hate hides behind free speech, it is not just offensive. It is dangerous. Speak out tonight at the Village Meeting. Make your voice heard.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Forbes
01-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Limestone University Will Close As Fund-Raising Effort Comes Up Short
Long-standing financial problems have forced Limestone University to close its doors at the end of ... More this academic year. The Limestone University Board of Trustees has voted to close the institution, effective at the end of this semester. The decision comes after an emergency fund-raising effort came up short of what was necessary to sustain the university, which has been operating for almost 180 years. 'Despite exhaustive efforts to secure the funding necessary to continue our operations, we have come to the difficult conclusion that Limestone University has not been able to secure the necessary funding to sustain its operations,' said Randall Richardson, Chair of Limestone's Board of Trustees, in a news release. Limestone University — a private, Christian college in Gaffney, South Carolina — revealed two weeks ago that it was facing such significant uncertainty about its financial future that a complete closure of the institution had become a possibility. 'After 179 years educating students in person, Limestone University is facing a critical turning point which may require transitioning to online only classes or at worst ceasing operations completely,' said the university at the time. The university attributed its continuing financial troubles to what has become a well-known set of factors — enrollment declines, rising costs, and structural budget deficits — plaguing small, private colleges and universities across the nation. Limestone's Board of Trustees had previously announced that it would need to immediately secure $6 million in financial support to allow the institution to continue normal operations and give it time to examine other longer-term solutions that could sustain its viability. If that effort was not successful, the board said the university would be forced to offer only online instruction or begin the process of shutting down. Shortly after making that announcement, Limestone launched a new "Together for Limestone" campaign designed to raise money that would provide essential support for campus operations, academic programs, and essential services "and ensures our mission endures.' Several hours later, Limestone reported that it had received a $1 million commitment from the Fullerton Foundation, a Gaffney-based private foundation. That grant gave the institution some short-lived hope that it could survive. On Tuesday of this week, two more pledges were made from local donors totaling another $1 million. According to Richardson, over the past two weeks, nearly 200 supporters had committed a collective $2.143 million to the effort, but it was too little, too late. "We had hoped that would be enough to sustain our institution. But in the final analysis, we could not continue operations on-campus or online without a greater amount of funding,' added Richardson. Founded in 1845, Limestone University currently enrolls about 1,600 students, including both on-campus students and those seeking online degrees. It employed slightly less than 500 faculty and staff. The University said it would pursue 'an orderly wind-down process' and will assist current students seeking to transfer to other institutions and support faculty and staff during the transition. More detailed information about the closure timeline, student records, transfer assistance, and other support services will be provided in the coming days, it added. 'Words cannot fully express the sorrow we feel in having to share this news,' said Dr. Nathan Copeland, President of Limestone University. 'Our students, alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters fought tirelessly to save this historic institution. While the outcome is not what we hoped for, we are forever grateful for the passion, loyalty, and prayers of our Saints family.' Despite the announcement, Limestone still plans to conduct a final commencement ceremony on May 3.
Gulf Today
19-03-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
Kalimat empowers Gazan children in Abu Dhabi with 400 books
As part of its efforts to empower underprivileged children and uphold their right to read, and in line with UAE 'Reading Month,' Kalimat Foundation, a UAE-based non-profit organisation, has donated 400 Arabic-language books to Palestinian children residing in Emirates Humanitarian City (EHC) in Abu Dhabi. This donation took place during a visit to the city, led by Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Former Minister and Vice President of Kalimat Foundation Board of Trustees, where she was hosted by Mubarak Falah Al Qahtani, the official spokesperson for Emirates Humanitarian City, in the presence of Amna Al Mazmi, Director of Kalimat Foundation, members of the foundation's team, and representatives from Multiply Group, the Abu Dhabi-based investment holding company that generously funded the donation. The donation falls under the 'Pledge a Library' initiative, which seeks to ensure children's access to knowledge and support their educational journey. As part of this initiative, portable libraries filled with a variety of books catering to different age groups were donated, alongside the organisation of engaging activities that included interactive workshops, recreational events, and cultural sessions. The visit welcomed 50 children aged 6 to 10, aiming to instil a love for reading and foster their intellectual and cultural development. The visit welcomed 50 children aged 6 to 10, aiming to instil a love for reading and foster their intellectual and cultural development. This initiative reflects Kalimat Foundation's commitment to ensuring children have access to books and the opportunity to continue their educational and cultural development, particularly in environments that require special support. It also reinforces Emirates Humanitarian City's role as a comprehensive humanitarian model, providing a fully integrated living environment for displaced individuals from crisis and conflict zones worldwide, while addressing their educational, cultural, medical, and recreational needs. 300 books for the school and 100 books for the nursery As part of the donation, two portable libraries were gifted to the school at Emirates Humanitarian City, containing 200 Arabic-language books, along with a portable library for the nursery, which includes 100 Arabic books. Additionally, 100 extra books were gifted directly to children who participated in an interactive reading session led by journalist and children's book author Samia Ayish, who took them on a journey through the book 'Aashat Al-Sheen', published by Kalimat Group. The visit also included a generous contribution from Sahar Wahbeh, creative designer and founder of 'Dumyé', who gifted the nursery children handmade customised dolls, and conducted a doll-making workshop for the schoolchildren, providing them with an opportunity to unleash their creativity, nurture their sensory skills, and enhance their ability to communicate and innovate within an engaging educational environment. A comprehensive vision for empowering children and youth Commenting on the initiative, Amna Al Mazmi, Director of Kalimat Foundation, reaffirmed the foundation's commitment to supporting Palestinian children affected by the war on Gaza. She said: 'At Kalimat Foundation, we take pride in contributing to the UAE's vision, which places education and knowledge at the heart of its development efforts, believing that building human capacity is the cornerstone of building societies. Providing access to education for underprivileged children is not merely a humanitarian duty but an investment in a brighter future. We firmly believe that every child has the right to access knowledge and cultural resources, no matter the challenges they face.' 'We are proud to collaborate with institutions that share our vision, as these partnerships amplify the impact of our initiatives and embody the values of solidarity and cooperation that define the UAE. Through the 'Pledge a Library' initiative, we seek to empower children in their educational and cultural journey, planting seeds of hope in their hearts so they grow up with a passion for knowledge and the ability to create positive change in their communities and the world around them,' she added. Best investment Samia Bouazza, Group CEO and Managing Director of Multiply Group, said: 'At the core of Multiply Group's ethos is a culture of knowledge sharing and lifelong learning. We believe that the best investment is in one's education, and we are committed to increasing access to the tools that enable individuals to unlock their full potential. Last year, we launched our 'Read to Lead' CSR programme, pledging to deliver thousands of books to communities across the Middle East. This year, we continue with our commitment by partnering with Kalimat Foundation on their 'Pledge a Library' initiative, to make knowledge more accessible and nurture a growth mindset across communities.' Emirates Humanitarian City's efforts in supporting Palestinians In turn, Mubarak Falah Al Qahtani, Official Spokesperson for Emirates Humanitarian City, said: "In line with the directives of the wise leadership, Emirates Humanitarian City has welcomed hundreds of injured children, cancer patients, and their accompanying family members from Gaza. The city, in collaboration with healthcare authorities in Abu Dhabi, is dedicated to providing the necessary medical treatment while also ensuring comprehensive physical and psychological care. This initiative reflects the UAE's unwavering commitment to supporting the Palestinian people during this critical humanitarian crisis." Al Qahtani further emphasised that Kalimat Foundation's contribution of children's libraries plays a vital role in enriching the living environment within the city by offering a culturally and educationally stimulating experience for Palestinian children. This initiative not only fosters intellectual and emotional well-being but also ensures the continuity of their education, enabling them to pursue learning despite the challenges they face. This latest contribution builds upon Kalimat Foundation's long-standing commitment to supporting Palestinian children, and previously, the foundation has made notable efforts through its Ara Initiative, providing accessible books for blind and visually impaired children within Palestine. Furthermore, the foundation's 'Stitching Hope for Gaza' merchandise line, launched in April 2024, has demonstrated ongoing support, with all proceeds dedicated to the 'Tarahum for Gaza' campaign. These efforts collectively underscore Kalimat Foundation's dedication to empowering children affected by conflict and disability, fostering education, and preserving cultural identity in deeply challenging circumstances.
Hi Dubai
19-03-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
MBRGI Reports AED2.2 Billion in Humanitarian Aid, Impacting 149 Million People Worldwide
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, unveiled the 2024 Year in Review report for the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), highlighting an AED2.2 billion expenditure on humanitarian and development projects. The initiatives positively impacted 149 million people across 118 countries, reaffirming the UAE's global leadership in philanthropy. The announcement took place at a special ceremony at the Dubai World Trade Centre, attended by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Vice Chairman of MBRGI's Board of Trustees, alongside key dignitaries and officials. The event showcased MBRGI's 2024 milestones, including the progress of the Fathers' Endowment campaign and recognition of major contributors. During the ceremony, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed chaired the MBRGI Board of Trustees meeting, emphasizing the UAE's commitment to humanitarian efforts. 'As we commemorate Humanitarian Work Day, we reaffirm our mission to extend generosity to all nations. Our work continues with a steadfast commitment to saving lives, providing education, empowering communities, and eradicating poverty,' he stated. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed underscored MBRGI's evolution since its 2015 inception, highlighting its transition from charitable aid to long-term empowerment strategies. 'In 2024, MBRGI's AED2.2 billion investment supported high-impact projects, such as the Mother's Endowment Campaign, a one-billion-dirham initiative to fund global education, and the 1 Billion Meals Endowment, which launched the UAE's tallest endowment tower valued at AED800 million to combat hunger,' he noted. He also cited the foundation stone laying of the Hamdan bin Rashid Cancer Hospital, Dubai's largest facility for free cancer treatment. Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and MBRGI's Secretary-General, highlighted the foundation's increasing impact, with a funding increase of AED400 million from 2023. 'MBRGI remains a model for sustainable philanthropy, focusing on long-term solutions that enhance education, healthcare, and social development worldwide,' he said. During the event, Sheikh Mohammed conferred the 'Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Order for Philanthropy' on Mirwais Azizi, Founder and Chairman of Azizi Developments, for his historic AED3 billion contribution to the Fathers' Endowment campaign. Several other contributors received the 'Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Medal for Philanthropy' in recognition of their support for global humanitarian initiatives. The 2024 Year in Review underscores MBRGI's unwavering commitment to fostering hope and driving sustainable change. As the UAE continues to lead in humanitarian efforts, its vision of global philanthropy remains an enduring legacy, lighting the way for a better future for millions worldwide. News Source: Emirates News Agency
