The Golisano Teaching Initiative
The Aquinas Institute is excited to establish the Golisano Teaching Initiative. Funding for the Golisano Teaching Initiative was made possible with a gift from entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader Tom Golisano. This initiative is a significant investment in our educators and reflects our commitment to providing a first-class education to our students so that they are: 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
We are deeply grateful for Mr. Golisano’s generous gift, and for his belief in our mission and the future of Aquinas. The impact of this investment will be felt for years to come as we continue to strive for excellence in Catholic education.
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.