Stanislaus State is launching its second annual 1960 Minutes of Giving, once again uniting the campus community around a shared purpose: expanding opportunity for students and strengthening the region the University serves.
The 32-hour campaign will begin at 7 a.m. Wednesday, April 22, 2026, and continue through 3:40 p.m. Thursday, April 23, inviting alumni, faculty, staff, students and community partners to support scholarships, programs and initiatives that help Warriors persist and succeed.
Building on the momentum of its inaugural year, the 2026 campaign is already gaining traction through significant early commitments that underscore the power of collective philanthropy.
Among them is a $100,000 gift from True Gospel Missionary Baptist Church, supporting both immediate and long-term opportunities for student-athletes. The contribution establishes an endowed scholarship for women’s basketball while also providing current-use funding to assist students right away, ensuring both lasting impact and immediate support for Warrior athletes.
Philanthropy supporting student success also extends into critical workforce fields. Donor Joanne Takahashi, whose mother earned her master’s degree in nursing at Stan State, is contributing $60,000 this year, including $50,000 to enhance the Kazuo and Mitsue Takahashi Family Endowed Scholarship for Nursing and $10,000 designated as a 1960 Minutes of Giving match to inspire additional participation.
Her ongoing investment reflects a deep connection to the region and a commitment to addressing the growing need for nurses by helping students complete their degrees and enter the healthcare workforce prepared to serve their communities.
Together, these gifts highlight how philanthropy at Stanislaus State fuels both immediate student support and long-term opportunity — removing financial barriers, strengthening academic pathways and preparing graduates to contribute to the Central Valley’s future.
“On behalf of our beloved University, I offer my heartfelt gratitude to every donor who is investing in the promise and potential of our students,” said Stan State President Britt Rios-Ellis. “Our 1960 Minutes of Giving reflects the very best of Stan State — a community united by purpose, generosity and a shared belief in the transformative power of education. Every gift, no matter the size, opens doors for our students to thrive, graduate and uplift their families and communities. I invite all who believe in opportunity and access to take part in this powerful moment — to give, to share, and to champion the dreams of our students. Together, we are strengthening the future of the Central Valley and expanding what is possible for generations to come.”
As a regional anchor institution, Stanislaus State plays a vital role in driving economic mobility and workforce development across the Central Valley. Initiatives like 1960 Minutes of Giving help sustain that impact by directly supporting the students who will become the region’s future leaders, educators and health and human services professionals.
The campaign also emphasizes participation, encouraging the community to rally behind causes that matter most while unlocking matching gifts and challenges that amplify every contribution.
Last year’s inaugural giving day demonstrated the strength of that collective effort, with donors and supporters sharing messages of gratitude and pride in the University’s mission. Among them, alumna Catalina Kaur ’16, social sciences, reflects on how the Stockton Campus opened doors that shaped her future — and why she now gives back.
“It’s a true barrier breaker in our community,” she said. “It gave me an accessible, affordable path to higher education when my resources were limited. That experience didn’t just change my circumstances — it reshaped what was possible for my future. I give back so more students can access that same opportunity and transform their lives.”
Through the 1,960-minute effort, Vice President for University Advancement Catherine Wooton is focused on building on that momentum by increasing participation and expanding impact — ensuring more students have the support they need to stay enrolled, graduate and pursue meaningful careers.
“Whether through major gifts or individual contributions, 1960 Minutes of Giving reflects a simple but powerful truth: when a community invests in its students, the benefits extend far beyond campus,” Wooton said.
