Renaming of Science Laboratory
Center in recognition of CSUF graduate who wanted to give
back to the university.
March 16, 2006 :: No. 166
California Sate University Trustees Wednesday
approved Cal State Fullerton's proposal to rename its Science
Laboratory Center Dan Black Hall, in recognition of the
CSUF graduate's $4.2 million gift — the largest ever
to the CSUF College
of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
Black, who earned his bachelor's degree
in physics at Cal State Fullerton in 1967, went on to become
a successful entrepreneur, selling one of the companies
he founded, Advanced Medical Nutrition, for more than $16
million in 1998.
His gift to the university, a combination
of cash and pledges totaling $4.2 million, is in addition
to the $75,000 he gives annually to support the Dan Black
Program in Physics and Business, as well as student scholarships.
"I am in the phase of life that I am financially
secure enough to do whatever I want to do," said Black. "I
give to CSUF because the university changed my life in
a major way. I tell students all the time: 'At a certain
point, you've got to give back. Don't ever believe that
you did it all yourself because you didn't.'"
"There is much discussion in the United
States now about the importance of generating more math
and science college graduates," said CSUF President Milton
A. Gordon. "The Dan Black gift will greatly assist CSUF
to accomplish this goal, and the renaming of the Science
Laboratory Center to Dan Black Hall is a most fitting way
to honor this outstanding and highly successful alumnus
of our university."
"The Dan Black gift is of special importance
because it is the result of one of our own alumni realizing
the value of his education at Cal State Fullerton and now
giving back to the university and our College of Natural
Sciences and Mathematics to benefit current and future
students in a major way," noted Gordon.
"This is a pivotal moment for the college
as it represents the first truly major gift from an alumnus
who has already shown a keen interest in making a difference
in the physics program and physics students," said Steven
Murray, dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. "Now,
he has enlarged his impact on the college."
Black, who has established a number of successful
companies over the years, is president of ProThera Inc.,
a nutritional supplement company based in Reno, Nev.
"The key to success is simple — hire
good people who love to do what they do, treat them good,
and let them do their job," Black explained. Of all his
accomplishments, Black says, "the thing I am most proud
of is that I have helped make a lot of people millionaires.
I have lived up to my promises, and I have made a difference
in people's lives."
At his alma mater, Black has been donating
both his time and fortune for the benefit of students.
His latest donation will be used to refurbish laboratories,
purchase new equipment and provide scholarships to students.
"Since 1998, Dan Black has provided extraordinary
scholarship support for physics majors," said Roger Nanes,
chair and professor of physics. "His junior and senior
scholarships have allowed physics majors to concentrate
on their advanced course work with a reduced burden to
work for outside income. Since 1999, he has provided the
funds to establish the Dan Black Program in Physics and
Business."
Launched the following year, the program — believed
to be the only one of its kind in the nation — is
designed for physics majors who want to apply their technical
knowledge to launch businesses or join the management teams
of technology-related companies. Students in the program
complete courses in finance, management, marketing and
advanced business communication. In June, the program is
expected to produce its first graduates, noted Nanes. These
students will earn a bachelor of science in physics with
an emphasis in business.
"Dan Black has often stated that his wish
is to provide opportunity to physics majors that he never
had, that is, to allow them to focus on their education
and to prepare them for their careers after graduation," said
Nanes. "His extraordinary generosity has done much to make
that a reality."
Media Contacts: |
Steven Murray, College of Natural
Sciences and Mathematics, 657-278-2638 or smurray@fullerton.eduRoger
Nanes, Physics, 657-278-3366 or rnanes@fullerton.edu
Linda Caplette, Public Affairs, 657-278-4007 or lcaplette@fullerton.edu |
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The Science Laboratory Center to be renamed Dan
Black Hall in recognition of CSUF graduate's
gift.
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