The Aquinas Institute of Rochester, a Catholic, private, college preparatory, co-educational school serving grades 6 – 12, is proud to announce it has received a $5M gift from entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader Tom Golisano. This generous contribution will establish The Golisano Teaching Initiative, a groundbreaking investment in the school’s educators and the future of Catholic education at Aquinas. Mr. Golisano is the founder of Paychex, the nation’s largest human resource company for small to medium-sized businesses, and the Golisano Foundation, one of the nation’s largest foundations dedicated to supporting programs for people with intellectual disabilities.
The Golisano Teaching Initiative is designed to elevate Aquinas’ commitment to excellence in education by recognizing and supporting its teachers. Aquinas President Dave Eustis expressed his gratitude, saying, “We are incredibly grateful to Tom Golisano for his transformative gift and for his belief in our mission. This investment will have a lasting impact on both our educators and our students, ensuring that Aquinas continues to lead the way in preparing students to be College Prepared. Life Ready.”
The Golisano Teaching Initiative includes several key components:
- A one-time bonus for all Aquinas teachers
- A significant salary increase over the next four years
- Efforts to close the wage gap between Catholic and public school educators
- Initiatives to increase teacher retention and foster long-term classroom stability
- Foster a positive and engaging atmosphere for students
President Eustis added, “It was vital that we recognize the dedication and hard work of our teachers. This gift allows us to reward their commitment and ensure they can continue shaping the futures of our students. I can think of no better use for this generous contribution.”
In Golisano’s original announcement he stated, “We define entrepreneurship very simple in this institute, and that is finding a better way to do things… and we hope with these resources, you organizations can find better ways to do things and provide either quality service or provide services at a lower cost to your clients and patients.”
Eustis echoed Golisano’s vision, noting, “At Aquinas, we’re committed to finding innovative ways to uphold our tradition of academic excellence, and this initiative will allow us to do just that. The positive effects will be felt for generations to come.”
The Aquinas Institute was established in 1902, and celebrates its 100th anniversary at its location on Dewey Avenue this coming year. The school’s mission is to teach all students Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge, supported through Gospel values, within a comprehensive curricular and co-curricular program that will prepare them to be responsible and caring citizens.
For more information about The Golisano Teaching Initiative, please visit www.aquinasinstitute.com/golisano.
About The Aquinas Institute of Rochester:
The Aquinas Institute of Rochester is a Catholic, private, college preparatory, co-educational school located in Rochester, NY. Founded in 1902, the Aquinas Institute offers a rigorous academic program rooted in the Basilian tradition. Its mission is to teach all students goodness, discipline, and knowledge, supported through gospel values, within a comprehensive curricular and co-curricular program that will prepare them to be responsible and caring citizens.
About Tom Golisano:
Tom Golisano, — entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader — is the founder of Paychex, Inc., the nation’s largest human resource company for small to medium-sized businesses. Mr. Golisano’s vision, perseverance, and action have left an indelible mark on a broad spectrum of issues that touch our lives – in business, healthcare, education, voter policies, politics, and tax reform. His investments are advancing entrepreneurship and driving the success of numerous businesses and start-ups. His philanthropic contributions to education, hospitals — including three children’s hospitals that bear his name — and numerous other organizations exceed $775 million. A fierce advocate for dignity and inclusion, in 1985 Tom Golisano applied his pioneering spirit to establish the Golisano Foundation to make the world a better place for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With more than $120 million in gross assets, it is one of the largest private foundations in the U.S. devoted to supporting programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities awarding grants to non-profit organizations in Western New York and Southwest Florida. Mr. Golisano is the author of two Books, “Built Not Born,” a Wall Street Journal best seller and “The Italian Kid Did It.” Connect with him at Golisanofoundation.org, on Facebook, and X @ThomasGolisano and @TomGolisano on Instagram.