2009-10 ANNUAL REPORT

Together, they've mastered the art of giving


Lee and Nicholas Begovich chose to honor Jerry Samuelson, recently retired dean of the College of the Arts, with their latest gift.

 

Lee and Nicholas Begovich are patrons of the arts by anyone’s definition. In addition to their recent $1-million gift to the Cal State Fullerton Art Department – the Main Art Gallery was renamed in their honor – the Begovichs have made other significant contributions in both time and treasure.

Lee, a former first-grade teacher, is the longest continuing member of the CSUF Art Alliance, which raises funds for Art Department scholarships and installations of major sculptures on campus. Since 1991, she has been president of the university’s Coordinating Council of Support Groups. In 2001, during the annual Volunteers of the Year program, Lee received special recognition for her years of service as its president.

Nicholas is the retired corporate vice president of Hughes Aircraft Company and helped start the Fullerton division. His involvement with the university began in the early 1960s when he served on the Engineering Advisory Committee. He was among executives with technical backgrounds offering counsel to Miles D. McCarthy, then chairman of the Science, Mathematics and Engineering Division, who later served as acting university president.

As longtime members of the President’s Associates, they also have given annually to build the President’s Scholars Endowment Fund. In addition to the Art Alliance, they are members of the Music Associates and MAMM Alliance for the Performing Arts.

“Our latest gift is to honor Jerry Samuelson, [the recently retired dean of the College of the Arts],” said Nicholas. “And, to enhance the value of the arts at Cal State Fullerton.”

For information about giving to the College of the Arts, please contact Milly Heaton
at 657-278-7695.