The University of Cincinnati is feeling the love from two of its accomplished alumni, Mohammad H. Qayoumi and Najia Karim, who've generously donated $4 million to their alma mater, a move that is set to bolster resources at the College of Engineering and Applied Science and the College of Allied Health Sciences, as reported by UC's official news portal. The couple, both UC graduates, tied the knot during their collegiate years and are now giving back to the institution where their professional journeys began. This donation, among the largest the university has received in recent times, will fund an endowed chair in each of the two colleges, cementing Qayoumi and Karim's legacy at the institution.
Mohammad H. Qayoumi, who holds multiple degrees from UC including an MS, an MBA, and a PhD, is no stranger to the university's operations; he put in a solid seven years of service across various campus roles ranging from adjunct faculty to director of utilities and engineering services, his multifaceted career at the university reflects a deep-seated commitment to higher education, one that has evidently endured long after his departure. Karim, a dietetics expert, lent her expertise part-time at the UC Medical Center Lipid Research Clinic, maintaining a connection to the university's broader mission of improving human health, their educational pursuits and their professional tenures intertwining and reinforcing each other across the years.
Reflecting on the rationale behind their multifold donation, Qayoumi and Karim said in a statement obtained by UC News, "We hold enduringly positive memories of our time in Cincinnati, particularly regarding the exceptional education we received at the University of Cincinnati," in a sentiment expressed to their university's newswire. They believe that their academic experiences and the rigorous training they underwent at UC laid down the bedrock of their professional accomplishments, an acknowledgment that carries with it a palpable sense of gratitude for the start that UC offered them.
The gifts earmarked for the College of Engineering and Applied Science, as well as the College of Allied Health Sciences, represent more than mere monetary contributions—they are an investment into the future of education and a show of confidence in the university's ability to continue its tradition of excellence in these fields. It’s an action that speaks to the transformative impact of education and the profound influence that an institution can have on its students, as well as the lasting connections that bind alumni to their academic roots, their decision to funnel their philanthropic efforts into the foundational chairs of their respective colleges is a clear indicator of their intent to ensure a lasting, tangible improvement in the areas that once aided their development.
