Bulldog Bites

News and Views from the University of Redlands

New report spotlights U of R’s economic and social impact

A new report shows the U of R contributes more than $185 million to the San Bernardino County economy, further demonstrating the University’s reach beyond its campus borders. (Photo by William Vasta)

The University of Redlands recently released its community impact report, highlighting the significant social and economic impact it delivers to the regional and local economies. 

According to the new report, which was commissioned by the University and conducted by Lynne I. Davidson LLC, the University of Redlands contributes $125.7 million to the City of Redlands economy and $185.6 million to the larger San Bernardino County economy annually through its operating expenses and capital expenditures.

“We value our strong ties to our local community,” says U of R President Ralph W. Kuncl. “The University’s economic impact includes $72,000 in rental fees we subsidize for local organizations annually. Over the last two decades, we have also donated nearly $900,000 in direct gifts to the City of Redlands for vehicles, fire trucks, and library assets.”

Additionally, over 100,000 hours of community service are provided by University of Redlands students.  Of these hours, the report estimates that 54,000 service hours directly benefited the local community, including children’s mentoring programs, work-study tutoring, and other service initiatives in the city of Redlands.  These hours amount to more than $2.4 million in social value, annually.

“We are deeply grateful to the City of Redlands, which has supported this University since its founding in 1907,” says Vice President for Advancement Tamara Josserand, who initiated the report. “Everyone who is affiliated with the University should take immense pride in the many ways that our organization benefits our local and regional communities.”

A recent community service standout is the newest COVID-19 vaccination clinic, located on the main University of Redlands campus. The clinic was brought to life through a collaboration between the University and Redlands Community Hospital, as well as local organizations including the City of Redlands, the Redlands Fire Department, the Redlands Police Department, Redlands Unified School District, and Esri.  This partnership, known as Operation Greater Good, has already vaccinated 1,535 individuals as of March 24, with plans to continue operating the site as the State-determined eligibility list expands.

“Operation Greater Good is a perfect example of public and private interests collaborating to benefit the communities they serve,” states Jim Topoleski, fire chief, City of Redlands.  “We place a great deal of value in our partnership with the University of Redlands and look forward to our continued goal to provide these much-needed vaccines.”

Additional highlights included in the report:

“More than a century later, we continue to uphold a treasured partnership with the Redlands community,” says Josserand.  “Our local community is what got us started and will keep us going for another century and beyond.”

Learn more about the University of Redlands and its economic and community impact.