FACULTY AND STAFF MEMBERS love their university and its mission so much they are among the institution's most generous donors, who give back to continue helping students succeed. Over the history of the university, thousands of current, retired and deceased faculty and staff members have donated millions of dollars to Cal State Fullerton. In the 2010-11 academic year alone, faculty and staff donated $925,218 to CSUF.
Among the top donors, who each have given more than $100,000 to date, are: Lee A. Broadbent, emeritus senior counselor; Giles T. Brown, emeritus associate vice president for academic affairs, dean of graduate studies and professor of history; emeritus CSUF President Jewel Plummer Cobb; Mildred R. Donoghue, emeritus professor of education and reading; P. June Pollak, emeritus professor of English and comparative literature; Rollin T. Sandberg, emeritus professor of mathematics; and James D. Young, emeritus professor of theatre and founding chair of the department.
Also having given at least $100,000 in their lifetimes were the late: Raymond V. Adams, physics professor; librarian Mary Jane Bragg; Emma E. Holmes, professor of education and child development; Joseph W. Landon, professor of music; J. William Maxwell, professor of communications; and Edith L. McCullough, professor of secondary education. Some of their estates continue to donate to Cal State Fullerton.
While the big gifts make a big difference for students who benefit, hundreds of smaller donations also make an impact, university fundraisers, administrators, faculty and staff agree. For example, money raised through CSUF's It's Our University fundraising campaign, which will mark its 20th anniversary next year, has funded numerous scholarships and special programs, helped purchase learning equipment and helped erect buildings.
“Even giving a small gift allows faculty and staff members to take ownership of the university and really play an active role in its success,” says longtime donor Sandra Sutphen, emeritus professor of political science.
For Gordon Morris Bakken, professor of history, another longtime donor, giving “to university programs is an integral part of making CSUF the outstanding academic institution it has become, and it is only with sustained giving that greatness as a university can be achieved.”
