“I am proud to say that this event has surpassed all of our expectations,” Swanson said. “Not only did the event sell-out almost immediately, but we had to expand seating as well. The demand for and popularity of this event means more funding for school programs, academic enrichment and student scholarships.”
More than 370 guests attended the gala festivities, which received nationwide media attention. More than 63 percent of the guests were new donors to the university and more than 15 percent were recaptured donors – people previously donated to the university, but had not given in the last three years.
Swanson announced the record-breaking amounts to CSU Stanislaus President Hamid Shirvani just prior to the gala event.
“With so much bad budget news coming out of Sacramento, it is great to see our local community supporting our university,” Shirvani said. “In this economy, when every dollar counts, the Foundation’s gala and its success will help support our academic community for years to come. I want to extend a personal thank you to the Foundation and donors for coming together to support our students.”
Funds raised by the sold-out gala will be used to support university programing. The university identifies financial needs for the foundation to consider funding. Laboratory facilities expansions, endowed chairs and scholarships have been funded in previous fiscal years. Of the more than $200,000 net profit, $60,000 has already been earmarked for scholarships.
The gala is among more than a dozen events scheduled in 2010 in celebration of the university’s 50th anniversary, including alumni receptions, a concert, an art exhibition and participation in two Turlock city parades. Plans are currently being finalized for a 50th Anniversary Founders’ Week celebration Sept. 14-18 that will include five days of activities on campus including music, campus tours, a family fun zone and a vendors’ fair.
Note: The information above is based on a June 25, 2010, press release and was last updated July 9, 2010.