GameAbove, a group of dedicated Eastern Michigan University alumni with various academic and professional backgrounds, announced its initial $3.5 million gift to the University to support faculty development and current and future students' educational and program needs.

The lump-sum cash gift provides the platform for two new initiatives: “GameAbove, Faculty First” and “Students Matter Most.” GameAbove is designating $2 million to support all levels of Eastern Michigan University faculty (assistant, associate, and full professors) across all five academic colleges (Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; and Health and Human Services) and the University Library by providing additional resources for faculty development and retention. The extra $1.5 million is focused on students. “We intend to help the University support faculty development and offer a clear focus on research, entrepreneurship, creative work, and innovation when it comes to education and investment in our faculty and students alike,” said Denis Wolcott, spokesperson for GameAbove. “We have a long-range vision to sustain and enhance the high-achieving uniqueness of EMU.” GameAbove is a team of passionate Eastern Michigan University alumni who desire to make a difference for the University. The team includes diverse people of all ages and backgrounds, including former EMU student-athletes, current entrepreneurs and successful businesspeople, Hall of Famers, and select EMU coaches.

“Eastern’s faculty had a significant positive impact on all GameAbove founders and advisory members. We aim to give back in many ways, from supporting Eastern's incredible and respected faculty, enhancing the learning experience, and contributing to the University’s next era of innovation,” Wolcott said.

GameAbove will focus on supporting and funding other key EMU programs and initiatives, including enhancing athletic programs, creating state-of-the-art student facilities, and supporting student entrepreneurship and innovation. It is dedicated to ongoing gifting efforts and will continue to evaluate opportunities to enhance EMU’s overall excellence further.

“Eastern Michigan University is very grateful both for this initial and substantial gift as well as the long-range vision from GameAbove to support the university in many innovative ways,” said Provost Rhonda Longworth. “We look forward to a collaborative effort from these grateful alumni.”

The “GameAbove, Faculty First” initiative will support a wide range of activities, including, but not limited to, Reassigning time from teaching to scholarly, creative, and innovative endeavors; conference presentations; travel; hiring research assistants; purchasing special equipment or supplies for teaching, scholarly, research, creative, or innovative activities; developing a grant proposal for external funding; and similar or related academic activities.

The “Students Matter Most” initiative will focus on providing financial resources for learning clubs, intramural sports, student government, student organization priorities, and solutions for student homelessness and housing insecurity, among other near-term needs.

Under gift parameters provided by GameAbove, the Office of the Provost in the Division of Academic and Student Affairs will administer the faculty and student programs.