A Vision for Campus
John ’75 and Jody Arnhold elevate the arts and humanities, UCSB Athletics, and climate research
UC Santa Barbara has received a visionary commitment from The Arnhold Foundation that will elevate the work of the arts and humanities, UCSB Athletics, and climate research. UC Santa Barbara Foundation Trustee John Arnhold ’75 and his wife Jody Arnhold are longtime campus supporters who believe in the power and potential of UC Santa Barbara.
The new Arnhold Arts and Humanities Commons will expand successful initiatives in English, theater and dance — including an endowed chair in dance studies — public humanities, and interdisciplinary teaching and learning. Their continued generous support for the Arnhold Arts & Lectures Education Initiative brings world-class artists and public intellectuals to campus for public programming, masterclasses and residencies.
“The division of Humanities and Fine Arts is so appreciative of this transformative gift — the largest we have ever received! — which will allow us to strengthen our programs and boost their impact at UC Santa Barbara,” said Daina Ramey Berry, Michael Douglas Dean of Humanities & Fine Arts. “The Arnholds have been tireless champions of the arts and humanities for decades, and we would not be where we are today without their leadership. I am grateful for their continued support and for their visionary guidance.”
John Arnhold majored in English at UC Santa Barbara, where his professors enhanced his love of literature and performance. Jody Gottfried Arnhold was a dance teacher in New York City’s public school system for nearly 25 years and went on to become a luminary of dance education.
“Jody and I are big believers in a broad liberal arts education and the essential role of the humanities,” said John. “It’s imperative that students are able to read critically and to write well, to think creatively, to solve problems and to communicate effectively. To us, exposure to the arts and humanities is vital for cultivating that ability to go in depth.”
UCSB Athletics have also been a longtime focal point for the Arnholds’ prolific giving to the campus, including the recent Arnhold Tennis Center and, for many years, scholarship support for student-athletes. The Arnholds’ new investment establishes and endows the Arnhold Directorship of Athletics. The gift also provides support to advance high priority opportunities, significantly enhance scholarship support, and build community.
“There is a whole new energy around UCSB Athletics under Kelly Barsky,” John said. “Her vision — serving student-athletes, making connections and serving the community, making our athletics programs a hub of engagement not only for UCSB, but for the broader Santa Barbara community — it’s infectious. I’ve always believed that athletics can play a role in energizing an institution and in bringing more people to campus. With Kelly we have the right director, and we have momentum.”
“Uniquely woven into the fabric of campus life, athletics is committed to serving and connecting student-athletes as well as a deeply engaged Gaucho community,” said Barsky, who is the first to fill the Arnhold Directorship of Athletics. “We are beyond thankful for the visionary leadership, friendship and philanthropic support of John and Jody Arnhold.”
Three years ago, the Arnholds established the Arnhold UC Santa Barbara-Conservation International Climate Solutions Collaborative. The Collaborative’s goal is to unify their demonstrated expertise and networks to conduct cutting-edge applied research. The Collaborative yields tangible, progressive solutions and propels the careers of emerging environmental professionals.
Since 2005, Jody and John have made leadership investments across the arts and humanities, athletics, environmental solutions and beyond. Their new commitment will deepen this work and permanently shape UC Santa Barbara.
Published November 2024
Jody and I are big believers in a broad liberal arts education and the essential role of the humanities. It’s imperative that students are able to read critically and to write well, to think creatively, to solve problems and to communicate effectively. To us, exposure to the arts and humanities is vital for cultivating that ability to go in depth.
John Arnhold '75