Autodesk Provides UC with Software Upgrades to Enhance Inter-Disciplinary Learning and Collaboration

Students and faculty in five UC colleges to benefit from free access to professional 3D design software

CINCINNATI – July 10, 2014 – The University of Cincinnati (UC) Foundation today announced that Autodesk, a leading 3D design, engineering and entertainment software company, has provided nearly $30 million in software licenses and upgrades to the University of Cincinnati.

Autodesk software is a major resource to students and faculty in UC’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business; College of Engineering & Applied Science (CEAS); College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP); and College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services (CECH).

UC students will gain a competitive edge during their co-ops and when they enter the workforce by becoming proficient in the same software and workflows used by professionals in the architecture, manufacturing, film and gaming industries worldwide. It will also allow tomorrow’s creative leaders to gain experience designing solutions to address real-world challenges in the classroom today.

“Autodesk’s decision to donate these software upgrades will not only benefit students and faculty, but also the employers of our future graduates,” said Rod Grabowski, UC Foundation president. “This is a strategic decision for the University of Cincinnati that will deliver immediate and long-term benefits for the institution, helping students be better prepared for their future careers.”

Having common access to the same vast set of design tools across UC colleges has also unlocked enhanced opportunities for inter-departmental and inter-disciplinary collaboration.

“Institution-wide access to Autodesk’s full portfolio of design solutions enables inter-disciplinary classroom projects that reflect business realities. For example, industrial design and business students can work together to conceptualize and develop plans for new products. Students can also leverage our cloud-based collaboration tools such as Autodesk® A360 to access shared projects and desktop resources anytime, anywhere, and from any device,” said Peggy Snyder, director, Autodesk Education.

This investment in UC highlights Autodesk’s commitment to preparing an industry-ready workforce by removing barriers to software access. It also is in line with Autodesk’s mission of helping students and educators imagine, design and create a better world.

Earlier this year, Autodesk pledged support for President Barack Obama’s ConnectED initiative which aims to enrich K-12 education in America by through technology and training. The free access to software that Autodesk has granted to schools such as UC extends the ConnectEd vision to higher education.

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About the University of Cincinnati Foundation
Established in 1975, the University of Cincinnati Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation and is the private sector fundraising entity for the University of Cincinnati. The foundation supports UC’s aspirations through philanthropic collaboration with the colleges, the Academic Health Center and other units to maximize private support. The foundation’s advancement efforts promote the development of productive, enduring relationships with alumni, friends, colleagues, students, foundations, corporations and the Greater Cincinnati community. For more information, visit uc.edu/foundation.

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