Aerial photo of CWRU's Case Quad in the fall
Photo by Nazar Tkachenko

Nord family commits $15M to Case Western Reserve

New gifts support forthcoming ISEB, Baker-Nord Center and Emerging Scholars Program

Eric and Jane Nord and their family have made an impact through decades of philanthropy that can be seen across Case Western Reserve University, from student stipends and faculty awards to the 15-acre Nord Family Greenway connecting the university’s main and west campuses.

Last month, CWRU announced the family’s latest commitment of $15 million, from The Eric & Jane Nord Family Fund, split among three areas:

“We deeply appreciate the Nord family’s continued support for initiatives and programs that advance our institutional priorities,” said President Eric W. Kaler. “This most recent commitment certainly will propel our students and faculty to academic excellence within the humanities and beyond, help to expand our research enterprise and further enhance our engagement with the surrounding community.” 

The late Eric Nord (CIT ’39, HON ’98) and his wife, Jane Baker-Nord (GRS ’76, art education) have given back generously to their alma mater over the years through personal donations and foundation grants. Their daughter, Virginia “Gini” Nord Barbato (FSM ’72), continues her parents’ legacy by serving on the university’s Board of Trustees. In addition to Eric, Jane and Gini, other Case Western Reserve alumni within the Nord family include Gini’s husband Randy, their son Eric, and Eric’s wife, Elisha.

“I’m heartened to see today’s students and researchers are keen to bring a socially conscious approach to a rapidly evolving technological landscape,” said Gini Barbato. “My family is pleased to support these endeavors as part of our ongoing mission to build knowledge and capacity within our local communities.” 

Multi-pronged approach

In 1996, Eric and Jane Nord funded the launch of the Baker-Nord Center for the Humanities through endowment and capital support for the renovation of the center’s home, Clark Hall. The family’s latest $4 million endowment commitment will elevate the center to an institute, broadening its scope and reach across multiple academic disciplines in order to promote collaboration and enable innovation. 

The expanded Baker-Nord Institute will help integrate various aspects of the Nords’ commitment. When the ISEB opens in 2026, it will be home to some of the institute’s programs, such as interdisciplinary research that incorporates the humanities with science and technology, and internship training sessions for humanities-focused Nord Family Emerging Scholars.

Founded in 2011, the Emerging Scholars Program (ESP) helps first-generation college students, primarily graduates of Cleveland-area high schools, transition to college life, connect with the campus community and reach graduation. Entering ESP students participate in the program’s summer bridge session—a six-week residential experience that includes two credit-bearing courses and a series of workshops on how to succeed in college. Afterward, ESP provides these students with academic support and intensive advising for the rest of their undergraduate careers. Building on years of support, the Nord family’s new $3 million commitment will increase the program’s annual cohort of entering students by 25%—from 12 to 15 students—and help sustain ESP for years to come.

“This generous commitment touches a variety of areas that are core to Case Western Reserve’s values and priorities,” said Provost and Executive Vice President Joy K. Ward. “In addition to bolstering our research capabilities and interdisciplinary collaborations on a large scale, the Nord family’s support will make a very tangible impact on our local community and our students for generations to come.”