Many students at CSUB have had their educational experience directly impacted by generous donors who have supported the university over the years. One such student is men’s basketball player Justin Edler-Davis, who received a full scholarship.
“It has meant the world not only to me, but my family as well,” he said. “Taking that financial burden off my mother has been amazing because she has two kids in college right now, and she wouldn’t have been able to afford my brother going to college.”
Edler-Davis said it is thanks to the generosity of donors that he has had a successful college experience, both on and off the court.
“This scholarship has done so much not only for my athletic and academic career, but just me as a person. I’ve grown so much since I’ve been here,” he said. “My scholarship doesn’t just mean wins and losses on the court or getting good grades. My life has completely changed because of this scholarship.”
Graduate student Jennifer Bernal said scholarships have helped her significantly during her academic career at CSUB.
“It motivated me to continue my studies,” she said. “As a low-income, first-generation student, my parents had no money to support my education, so having donors come in and support me was the greatest feeling of all.”
Greg Bynum, CSUB Foundation Board member, Alumni Hall of Fame inductee and campaign co-chair, said donations are vital to keeping the university on a path of growth and success.
“Support today is very imperative to keep the educational engine running and supporting the students,” he said. “Especially in Kern County and Bakersfield, we have the amazing advantage of having a four-year university that is accessible, that is affordable because we have the support of the community for those who need it.”
Fellow Foundation Board member and campaign co-chair J.P. Lake said giving not only affects students but also has a significant impact on the community.
“Giving to CSUB is a gift that generates a real return on investment and is going to have an exponential impact because it’s going to affect many other people who touch the university and play a part in our community,” he said. “I really believe that this campaign is critical for the future of Kern County and Bakersfield.”
After a period of strategic planning and preparation to put this comprehensive fundraising campaign together, CSUB is excited to finally reveal it to the community.
“This remarkable effort promises to have a positive and lasting impact on students across the university and aims to garner more philanthropic support than ever before in the history of CSUB,” said Vice President for University Advancement Victor Martin. “`Runners on the Rise is an opportunity to inspire individuals, alumni, corporations, foundations and friends of CSUB to directly support student and faculty research, create state-of-the art programs and facilities, and provide access to outstanding educational opportunities. This campaign will be a pride point for CSUB and our entire community.”
Raji Brar — chair of the Foundation Board, Alumni Hall of Fame inductee and campaign co-chair — agrees.
“I think it is so important for our community to step in and support CSUB,” she said. “This comprehensive campaign is the golden ticket to launch us into the future.”
For more information about the `Runners on the Rise campaign, visit csub.edu/rise.
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