In what was Cal State Fullerton’s first-ever comprehensive philanthropic campaign, “It Takes a Titan” saw the campus and community come together to raise more than $270 million for the university.
Publicly launched in March 2020, right before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the effort became a true Titan success story, as the seven-year initiative raised funds far exceeding the campaign’s original $175 million goal. These donations will continue to be applied toward projects that “enhance academic innovation, empower students, transform campus structures and enrich the greater community.”
With nearly 75,000 individual donors, including almost 45,000 alumni donors, a 150% increase in endowment funds and more than $21 million distributed in scholarships, the impact on the students of CSUF is where this endeavor will be felt the most.
“Behind every one of those gifts and all those really impressive numbers is a student who actually was able to go to college, did not have to worry necessarily about the finances … or was able to have a certain level of support structure,” said CSUF Vice President for University Advancement Greg Saks.
An example of that support structure was the $600,000 raised to support basic needs and emergency grants for students who experienced hardships due to pandemic-related shutdowns.
“So many of our students work in the service industry, in the retail industry, and in many other areas that they were out of work just like that,” Saks said. “This is just one example of how our greater Titan community and donor community came together at a really difficult time to support our students.”
For the 60% of Titans who are first-generation college students, CSUF’s “I Am First” program provides a path for mentor relationships, leadership development and career skills through a cohort system. The program experienced more demand than it could satisfy. After receiving a $250,000 gift from Donnie Crevier, “I Am First” will…
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