CSUB Posts Record Fundraising Year

CSUB Posts Record Fundraising Year

CSUB raised $10, 331, 577.40. That is a 34% increase from the 2018-2019 year, with support from over 1,400 donors.

From California State University-Bakersfield

“In a year of great challenge and sacrifice, CSU Bakersfield’s most loyal supporters demonstrated their belief in our students with generous gifts that will allow the university to expand research opportunities and other innovative programs for the benefit of our region, economy and residents. CSUB owes a special debt of gratitude to Barbara Grimm-Marshall and Kari Grimm Anderson for their visionary investment in the study of agricultural business, which is a game changer for CSUB and the families committed to this honorable way of life that feeds millions around the world,” said CSUB President, Dr. Lynnette Zelezny.

The transformative $5 million pledge to establish the Grimm Family Center for Agricultural Business is the single largest gift commitment in the 49-year history of the University. Mrs. Grimm-Marshall stated: “The Center will allow students to work with the best minds in agribusiness today to secure our region’s position as a pioneer and global leader in the industry that has created opportunity and prosperity for so many.”

Earlier in the year, community advocate and retired educator Gayle Batey, committed a generous gift to support the construction of the Energy and Engineering Innovation Building at CSUB. The building will become the nexus of discovery and ingenuity in our region, shaping the next generation of Valley visionaries, inventors and problem-solvers.

“Generosity in support of our University has always been special and impactful. Yet in today’s uncertain times, these gifts of precious resources are essential to our University’s future. But what is more, these gifts are not just about bricks, mortar, and desks, they are about hope…hope for the future of our students, hope for the future of our economy, and yes, hope for the future of our society. Nothing is more precious than your financial commitment today to CSU Bakersfield,” said John Nilon, chairman of the CSUB Foundation Board.

Gifts of all sizes made a difference. There were 579 alumni who made donations to their alma mater. CSUB employees raised more than $270,000 through the Faculty and Staff Initiative, which garnered record-setting support from 368 participants.

Staff donor, Queen E. King, gives in order to help student-athletes, not only to be successful on the courts, but in the classroom, as well.

“It fulfills me to know that my donation helps student-athletes be successful in the classroom, community and in their competitive activities,” said Queen King, associate vice president, financial services and controller.

Here is a look at some of the other noteworthy successes through the CSUB Foundation that directly supported the University and its students over the last year:

  • Chevron: $1 million in support of innovation in the School of Natural Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics;
  • Kaiser Permanente: multi-year support pledged for the Kegley Institute of Ethics and an additional grant to support the University Counseling Training Clinic;
  • Estate of Professor Stanley Clark: support of political science and music and theatre programs;
  • The California Endowment: $130,000 in support of the Kern Education Justice Initiative; and
  • The W.M. Keck Foundation: $150,000 in support of modern laboratory facilities, hands-on experiences and practices in geo-science research in the lab and at sea.
  • President’s Associates: $155,310 raised to fund student-faculty research projects for the Student Research Scholars Program;
  • Dr. Jeffrey Elwell: Established an endowment in Dr. Solomon Iyasere’s honor, as he left a strong impact on him as a student. The endowment will provide annual scholarships for students who write for the student newspaper, The Runner.

These gifts have made it possible for CSUB to expand and grow its cutting-edge educational experiences, along with advancing and transforming the future of not only the University and its students, but the region, as well.

“This year the CSUB Foundation raised more funds through philanthropy than in any other year in its 49-year history. Through the generous support from donors, we saw firsthand the transformative power of giving and we are incredibly grateful. Philanthropic commitments from members of our community and beyond are making a positive and lasting impact in the lives of students and on the University as a whole,” said Vice President for University Advancement, Victor Martin.

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