1960 Minutes of Giving Raises More Than $542K to Fuel Stan State Student Success

In just 1,960 minutes, the Stanislaus State community came together to raise more than $542,172 in support of student scholarships, new programs and life-changing opportunities.

During the University’s first-ever 1960 Minutes of Giving campaign, held April 30 to May 1, alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends served as ambassadors to get the word out, which resulted in 951 gifts — each one a powerful vote of confidence in the transformative power of a Stan State education.  

“Thanks to the dedication and generosity of our proud alumni, amazing industry partners, devoted friends, loyal champions and our passionate campus community, the power of intentionality in keeping Stanislaus State’s signal loud and clear resonated throughout our 1,960 Minutes of Giving campaign,” said President Britt Rios-Ellis. “We exceeded expectations. This was a true Warrior effort, fueled by pride and a deep belief in Stan State’s power to transform lives. 

“As we reflect on this incredible milestone, we also look forward. The momentum we’ve built together will continue to strengthen opportunities for our students, expand community partnerships and amplify the impact of Stan State’s mission across the Central Valley.” 

Major Gifts Expand Impact

Several major philanthropic commitments powered the campaign’s momentum and impact:

HealthForce Partners Northern San Joaquin Valley contributed $200,000 to expand the Health Graduate Degree Educational Expenses Scholarship Fund. The gift will provide critical financial support for graduate students pursuing degrees in social work, marriage and family therapy and counseling. An additional $75,000 gift is specifically designated for nursing students in Stockton and San Joaquin County.

Read More About the HealthForce Partners Gift

New gifts totaling $137,500 will launch the Pathways to Student Success program, an initiative designed to increase retention, academic achievement and graduation rates while preparing students to meet critical workforce needs in the Central Valley.

Read More About the Pathways to Success Gift

Campus Comes Alive with Warrior Spirit

The campaign sparked a wave of generosity, engagement and Warrior pride across campus and throughout the community.

The two-day celebration launched on Warrior Wednesday in the University Quad, where students, faculty and staff gathered to celebrate the campaign, share giving opportunities and encourage others to get involved. Many also helped spread the word as ambassadors, amplifying the impact. A Thank You Board captured heartfelt messages of gratitude and hope while donation kiosks and drive-up stations made it easy for everyone to take part and show their Warrior pride.

“At Stan State I belong and because of this I have been able to find myself, find my passion, find my purpose and my career path,” said communication studies major Jackie Pernett. 

“What I’m grateful for from Stan State is the three generations of my family that have been educated here,” said Stan State alumnus Cesar Ochoa. “I see the impact that we have on our community, in our state and this world.” 

Some of the signature activities during the campaign included:

• A Warrior Wardrobe Career Closet clothing drive, collecting business attire to help students shine at interviews, internships and career events.
• A Basic Needs collection of books, toys, diapers, hygiene items and non-perishable food to support parenting students and the Warrior Food Pantry.
• A Wetzel Pretzel Food Truck, donating 10 percent of proceeds to support the campaign.
• Student engagement events on Titus Thursday and at the Warrior Activities Center, featuring food, games and spirited activities.
• A Closing Celebration at Warrior Steps, where the Stan State community gathered for treats, final donations and to share messages of gratitude.

Throughout the event, the Thank You Board overflowed with notes from donors, students and alumni — a visible symbol of the Warrior community’s shared belief in education and opportunity.

Challenges and Ambassadors Drive Momentum

Friendly giving challenges and matches inspired friendly competition and boosted participation across colleges, programs, athletic teams and alumni groups. Matching gift incentives doubled the impact of donations to areas including Mathematics, the Stockton Campus, ASI and Athletics.  

Participation challenges rallied support for the Pathways to Student Success program, Warrior Fab Lab, the Black Faculty and Staff Association, Stockton Campus and others.

Creative challenges — such as the Mathematics Department faculty’s “reward milestones,” culminating in a math-themed tattoo — energized donors.

Athletics teams competed for top leaderboard honors, with Women’s Soccer earning the most gifts.

Athletics programs rallied impressive support throughout the campaign, with Women’s Soccer leading all teams by securing 167 gifts, the highest number among participating departments and programs. Cross County secured 138 gifts.

A dedicated team of ambassadors — including students, alumni, faculty, staff and Foundation Board members — amplified the campaign’s success through social media, texts and personal outreach.

A Legacy of Opportunity and Hope

The success of 1960 Minutes of Giving reflects not only Stan State’s growing culture of philanthropy but also the deep connection between the University and the region it serves. The campaign’s impact will be felt far beyond the 1,960 minutes — in classrooms, careers and communities across the Central Valley.

Those who didn’t have a chance to participate can still make an impact by supporting the programs and areas that matter most to them.

“This campaign sent a powerful message about who we are and what we believe in as a University community,” Rios-Ellis said. “We are not only opening doors for our students — we are building a culture of giving and partnership that will shape the future of the Central Valley for generations to come.”