Smart Solutions Founder Bill Julka and His Wife,
Dr. Neeraj Julka, Donate $6 Million to CSU.

Anand “Bill” Julka, president and founder of Smart Solutions Inc., has gifted $6 million to Cleveland State University to support scholarships for local students pursuing degrees in teaching, nursing, engineering and computer science. This is the largest single scholarship gift in the University’s history.

In recognition of Julka’s outstanding generosity, CSU will name its newly completed College of Education and Human Services building, Julka Hall. Julka, who earned a master’s degree in industrial engineering from the University’s Fenn College of Engineering in 1974, credits his success to accessible education. He said he is passionate that students in the city of Cleveland receive the same opportunity he had.

“Many students already have economic challenges working against them,” he said. “But I don’t believe anyone should be denied a good education simply because they don’t have the money to pay for it.
Cleveland State played a critical role in my life, and the University continues to be a pivotal part of this community.”

Julka said his donation comes in support of the leadership of President Ronald Berkman, who has brought a new vision to the University witnessed by his launch of an on-campus K-12 International Baccalaureate School, an innovative Urban Primary Care program in conjunction with NEOUCOM and a $40-million north campus development project.

Berkman said that Julka’s gift supports the University’s ongoing progress by underscoring the value of education throughout the community.

“In this economy, these scholarship funds are especially significant so that education can remain a priority for Cleveland families,” Berkman said. “This gift also will play a critical role in the lives of many students who otherwise might have missed the opportunity for an advanced degree.”

Julka immigrated to the United States from India at the age of 22 with a few personal belongings and bachelor’s degree from the Indian Institute of Technology. He chose CSU’s graduate school because it offered night classes, which he attended while working days at Eaton Corp.

Eleven years later, Julka founded Smart Solutions, a leading provider of systems integration and networking solutions. Today, Smart Solutions remains headquartered in Cleveland and serves customers in all 50 of the United States and in 20 countries around the world.

Throughout his career, Julka has remained active in CSU. He serves of the Board of the CSU Foundation is a former member of the Visiting Committee for the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and College of Education and Human Services. He delivers guest lectures and helped establish a tutoring program for students of East High School.