Posted September 26, 2018 in Articles
As president and treasurer of the John P. Murphy Foundation and the Kulas Foundation, Nancy W. McCann supports the arts. As an eight-year member, former chair and current vice chair of the CSU Foundation Board of Directors, she supports student success and educational excellence.
Both passions reflect her commitment to community engagement and service.
Known for her high energy and visionary leadership, McCann has enriched the business, civic, educational, cultural and non-profit worlds though her volunteerism. Her impact at CSU has been profound.
“Nancy’s commitment to CSU is unprecedented,” says Tim Cosgrove, chair of the Foundation board. “She didn’t go to CSU. Yet she recognizes this University’s power and importance in changing lives. Hers is the purest form of generosity -- giving of her time and treasure to help others.”
A native Clevelander, McCann was instrumental in the development of Kent State University’s Fashion Museum and School of Design. She enjoyed a long and successful marketing career with Higbee’s and Forest City Enterprises, where her executive positions included senior vice president of marketing and public relations.
In addition to her work with the Kulas and Murphy Foundations, she is a trustee of the Musical Arts Association, vice chair of The Cleveland Orchestra’s Centennial Campaign, and a trustee-at-large for University Circle, Inc.
At CSU, she established the Nancy W. McCann Endowed Music Scholarship to support undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree in music in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. The Kulas and Murphy Foundations also support CSU.
As a member of the CSU Foundation Board of Directors, McCann has been instrumental in the success of Radiance – co-chairing the 2018 event which raised more than $1.7 million for scholarships to keep students on track to graduation. During her two years as chair, she promoted a friendly competition among board members to ensure strong support for Radiance.
She also served on the Leadership Cabinet for ENGAGE: The Campaign for Cleveland State University, which raised $114 million for student success initiatives.
“Nancy has taken the CSU Foundation to new levels of success. Her belief that every voice must be heard has helped build engagement and strengthen the work of the board,” says Berinthia R. LeVine, vice president, University Advancement, and executive director, CSU Foundation.
As an ambassador for CSU and advocate for student success, McCann says she’s just getting started.
“Every gift to CSU is a gift of opportunity for a student. By supporting CSU, donors are supporting students’ dreams, aspirations and goals. I am immensely proud of what we are doing and I look forward to being part of the CSU family for a very long time,” she says.
