CSUB raises nearly $4.9 million in 2021-22 fiscal year

Past year saw launch of first comprehensive fundraising campaign

By California State University, Bakersfield

August 4^th, 2022

California State University, Bakersfield raised approximately $4.9 million during the 2021-22 fiscal year in its effort to support student success.

CSUB raised an estimated $4,898,772.31 from over 1,000 donors this past year. The donations, which are preliminary and not yet finalized, are comprised of both large and small gifts from the `Runner community.

“This is the result of the hard work of the Foundation Board, our fundraising volunteers, the president, her cabinet and the faculty and staff,” said Interim Vice President for University Advancement Heath Niemeyer. “The benefits are seen across the campus in areas such as scholarships, research and program support, all of which strengthen the education and experiences our students receive in preparation to be leaders in our community.”

Notable gifts provided during the 2021-22 fiscal year include:

The Ravi and Naina Patel Foundation pledged $1 million to establish a Mahatma Gandhi Fellowship for Social Entrepreneurship.
The Skeet Varner Foundation committed $500,000 to support the creation of a Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI).
Valley Strong Credit Union pledged $287,000 to support initiatives including the Valley Strong Scholarship and Kegley Institute of Ethics Student Fellowship program.
CSUB alumnus Chris Hayden provided a $250,000 gift to support athletic scholarships and the creation of the CEI.
The Tobin family donated $125,000 to establish the Tobin Wrestling Scholarship.
The CSUB Alumni Association awarded $25,000 in scholarships to 17 alumni pursuing their graduate degrees.

This fiscal year saw the public launch of the university’s first-ever comprehensive fundraising campaign. The `Runners on the Rise campaign aims to raise $55 million by July 2024 to transform the lives of students, faculty and staff.

The campaign has three priorities: supporting future leaders, fostering academic excellence and building the community. Donor support will increase student access to higher education, support student-athletes and strengthen programs and support services.

The campaign has raised over $35 million toward its goal so far.

“I feel like the campaign has been very successful, even with the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Raji Brar, co-chair of the campaign committee and chair of the CSUB Foundation board of directors. “This is such a giving community. People understand how valuable higher education is and believe in advancing education.”

CSUB graduate student Maria Silva recently received a scholarship through the Alumni Association to support her in pursuing a master’s degree in educational counseling/pupil services. Silva said donor support has been critical to her success at the university.

“This scholarship not only has helped me have more peace of mind about paying tuition and loans but also has given me even more motivation to further my education,” she said. “After I graduate, I plan on pursuing the doctoral degree and continue to work with students.”