September 25, 2019 | Eli Freund - School of Engineering

$5M Gift Launches Arts and Engineering Institute

While the Krenickis, who both graduated in 1984, have given generously across the university before, this gift honors their personal UConn story, uniting John’s major in mechanical engineering with Donna’s, in graphic design. The Krenickis met in the fall of their junior year. The couple has raised three children and carved out careers that have crossed industry, private equity, and the arts.

Donna and John Krenicki, both UConn Class of 1984. (Submitted Photo)

 

By: Grace Merritt, UConn Foundation

University of Connecticut alumni John and Donna Krenicki gave $5 million to the university’s Schools of Fine Arts and Engineering to launch the Krenicki Arts and Engineering Institute, an innovative, interdisciplinary nexus that will offer groundbreaking classes in areas like entertainment engineering and industrial design.

The pairing of arts and engineering will provide a space where different types of creativity can lead to imaginative solutions and radical breakthroughs, said those involved. It will allow students to explore such fields as robotics, music and sound engineering, digital media, and product design.

“We are incredibly grateful to John and Donna Krenicki for their support of this exciting new institute, which will push UConn to the forefront of innovative design and technical solutions,” said UConn President Thomas Katsouleas. “This collaboration will give students new opportunities, a competitive edge, and strong marketability, all while helping to fuel our state’s economy and meet workforce needs.”

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