Stanislaus State has received $137,500 in philanthropic gifts to launch the Pathways to Student Success program, a bold new initiative designed to increase retention, academic achievement and graduation rates for students while helping to meet the Central Valley’s growing workforce needs.
The announcement of the gifts coincided with Stan State’s inaugural 1960 Minutes of Giving campaign, highlighting the University’s growing culture of philanthropy and commitment to student achievement.
This new investment builds upon early gifts made to the Pathways to Student Success program during the 1960 Minutes of Giving campaign, continuing a growing culture where every gift — no matter the size — contributes to student achievement and workforce readiness.
The program is made possible thanks to the vision and generosity of Ryan Fitzpatrick, president of Fitzpatrick Dealership Group and past president of the Stanislaus State Foundation Board, and John Jacinto, a Stan State alumnus and president and CEO of Vistech Manufacturing Solutions, together with his wife, Edith. Fitzpatrick and John Jacinto both remain deeply engaged as members of the Foundation Board.
“As a longtime supporter of Stan State and a believer in the power of education to change lives, I am excited to be a part of launching Pathways to Student Success,” Fitzpatrick said. “Stanislaus State students are the future leaders and innovators of the Central Valley, and we are honored to invest in their success. This program will not only help students overcome obstacles today but will also lay the foundation for a stronger, more vibrant Central Valley tomorrow.”
“As an alumnus, I know firsthand how a Stan State education can open doors and create life-changing opportunities,” Jacinto said. “Pathways to Student Success will help even more students overcome challenges, stay on track and graduate prepared to lead and give back to the communities that shaped them — just as Stan State helped me to do. I’m proud to support a program that not only uplifts students but also strengthens the Valley’s workforce and drives positive change in our region.”
Stanislaus State President Britt Rios-Ellis praised the philanthropic partnership and the program’s transformative potential.
“We are profoundly grateful for this generous investment in our students and the future of the Central Valley,” Rios-Ellis said. “We thank Ryan Fitzpatrick and John Jacinto for their visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to student success. Pathways to Student Success reflects the power of intentional partnerships and the shared belief that every student — no matter where they come from — is worthy of the opportunity to thrive.
“This initiative will play a critical role in increasing retention, advancing academic achievement and helping more students reach the finish line of earning their degrees. By removing barriers, building academic momentum and fostering a sense of belonging, this program will change lives, strengthen families and create a ripple effect throughout Central Valley communities for generations to come. Philanthropic commitments like this send a strong signal that Stan State’s mission resonates deeply.”
The Pathways to Student Success program provides a comprehensive set of supports designed to help students succeed academically and stay on track to earn their degrees. Key components include:
- A peer-to-peer mentorship network connecting high school, community college and University cohorts
- A summer bridge program to help incoming students and transfer students strengthen their academic and social skills
- A Valley-based experiential learning initiative that provides professional development opportunities through partnerships with Central Valley businesses
In addition to mentorship, academic enrichment and career readiness activities, the program also provides targeted supplemental instruction, experiential grants and student employment opportunities. Research shows that early academic success — including maintaining a GPA above 2.5 and succeeding in gateway courses like English composition and statistics — is a key predictor of long-term student retention and graduation.
The Pathways to Student Success program is administered through Stan State’s Office of Inclusive Excellence, which collaborates with campus and community partners to advance student achievement and workforce preparation.
With the majority of Stan State alumni living and working in the region, they make a significant impact in business, government, health care, agriculture, education and other industries across the Central Valley. Supporting student success and increasing graduation rates will ensure more qualified professionals are ready to step into the workforce as leaders and fuel the region’s capacity to meet evolving industry and employment needs.
Reflecting on the program’s long-term impact, Rios-Ellis added, “When we invest in our students, we are investing in the future prosperity of our entire region because when Stan State thrives the Central Valley thrives.”
