Duncan Reno (right), One Purpose volunteer and CSU Stanislaus alumnus, turned in his pledges at the reporting reception on Thursday with reporting team volunteer Charmaine Daniel.
California State University, Stanislaus alumni from across a span of decades stood out this week through their participation as One Purpose fundraising volunteers and donors. More than 100 alumni have stepped forward to raise funds for student scholarships, from recent graduates to those with longstanding affinity for their alma mater.
Among those who gathered Thursday to turn in pledges for the fundraising campaign were alumni volunteers Linda Bunney-Sarhad, ’75, and Duncan Reno, ’86, who each made personal contributions to One Purpose at the $3,000 level. The overall total of One Purpose pledges has reached $245,900 with two weeks to go in the six-week campaign.
Reno, who earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration at CSU Stanislaus and is now the general manager for Del Rio Country Club in Modesto, recalled the passion his professors exhibited in the classroom and said his positive experience as a student contributed to his desire to give back to the University through One Purpose.
“I want more students to come here and have a positive experience,” Reno said. “I think CSU Stanislaus has the potential to be one of the top CSUs in the system.”
John Jacinto, an alumnus from the class of ’96, and his wife Edith are leading the most productive team of volunteers so far in the campaign, with cumulative pledges totaling nearly $45,000.
Also volunteering for the campaign are alumni Clarissa Lonn-Nichols, ’13, and Chris Nichols, ’06, who have set an example with their own pledge at the $3,000 level. Lonn-Nichols — who earned her bachelor’s and doctoral degrees at CSU Stanislaus — is also the University’s director of student leadership and development.
Lonn-Nichols said her parents always encouraged her to pursue higher education and to earn good grades, but it was a scholarship she received during her undergraduate studies that allowed her to have an enriching college experience and to follow her passion. As a One Purpose volunteer, Lonn-Nichols said she is motivated by the opportunity to invest in students and to encourage others to do the same.
“Contributing to scholarships sends a message to students that they are worth investing in, and it has a ripple effect,” she said. “Those students often go on to encourage others, and ultimately they give back to the community. I am excited for this chance to make it possible for others to pursue their dreams, just as I did.”
Nearly 80 percent of CSU Stanislaus graduates build their lives and careers in the Central Valley, and they are important ambassadors for CSU Stanislaus in the community.
“Having the support of our alumni, both as volunteers and as donors to One Purpose, is very meaningful,” said Jacqueline Holt, director of annual giving. “Their involvement shows an understanding of the value of a CSU Stanislaus education and giving back to the community. They are a driving force in the region.”
Support from individuals and businesses in the community was demonstrated by several significant gifts this week, including contributions from Mani and Jas Grewal, who are leading a team of One Purpose volunteers, and volunteer and foundation board member Steve Gemperle of Gemperle Farms. They each made gifts at the $10,000 level to reach the highest tier for donors.
“Investing in education has always been important to my family,” Gemperle said. “The University has an important impact on the community, especially since so many graduates live and work locally. When you think about the impact of education on our local area and the potential it has to benefit the community, it’s a great investment to make.”
Those interested in more information — or in giving to One Purpose — can contact the Division of University Advancement at (209) 667-3131 or visit www.csustan.edu/one-purpose.