Sacramento State News - California State University, Sacramento

Alumni and the community continued to show strong support for Sacramento State last year, providing a record level of private funding for priorities such as gifts and bequests for scholarships, new equipment, a future endowed chair and facilities.

In all, Sacramento State recorded $16.2 million in total gift commitments in 2006-07. It was slightly more than the prior year and represents the second year in a row that the campus has met the California State University system goal of raising at least 10 percent of resources provided by the General Fund.

The totals were compiled for a recent end-of-fiscal-year report to the Chancellor’s Office.

“People are enthusiastic about the campus and the progress we’re making,” said Sacramento State President Alexander Gonzalez. “We are privileged that so many of our alumni and friends support projects that will impact thousands of students for generations to come.”

The giving total reflects five new bequests to the University through estate plans. Total testamentary commitments for the year reached more than $7.5 million, up from $1.2 million the year before.

“Our donors understand that the gifts represent a level of excellence for the programs we offer our students. They care about Sacramento State, and they are committed to making a difference,” said Carole Hayashino, Vice President for University Advancement.

Highlights for last year’s private support include:

$3 million for an endowed chair in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, through a testamentary commitment
$2.9 million for math programs, through a testamentary commitment
$1.3 million for interior and other work on the new Hornet Bookstore, from Follett Higher Education group
$1 million to endow a scholarship program, from the Curien family
Nearly $1 million to endow a scholarship program for re-entry students, from the Bernard Osher Foundation
$250,000 for the Sokiku Nakatani Tea Room and Garden as well as support of the Asian American Program
$192,000 for the “Broker of Expertise” project to use technology to make resources available to teachers, from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
$157,000 for the Stephen and Charlotte Walker Endowment, from the estate of Charlotte Walker
$100,000 to help equip the Broad Athletic Facility

Media assistance is available by contacting the Sacramento State public affairs office at (916) 278-6156.

Another milestone year for private support