Fresno State received a record 13 gifts of $1 million or more during the 2024-25 fiscal year, bringing its total fundraising to $38.85 million. This marks the second-highest fundraising year in the university’s history, surpassing the previous year’s total.
On March 26, Fresno State held its most successful Day of Giving, raising $611,174 in 24 hours from thousands of donors. Philanthropic contributions included $28.1 million directed toward academics and $10.6 million for athletics.
Among the notable gifts was a $4.8 million donation from the late Dr. Janet Loring, a former faculty member who created Fresno State’s Theatre for Young Audiences. Her contribution will establish an endowed chair and support educational theatre programs at the university.
The Leon S. Peters Foundation pledged $1 million to support new equipment and technology at the Nursing Resource Center in the College of Health and Human Services. The foundation has been a longstanding supporter of Fresno State.
A $1 million gift from alumna Jami Hamel De La Cerda and the Diamond Learning Center will benefit Fresno State athletics by supporting football operational needs, including student-athlete development and recruitment.
The James G. Boswell Foundation also pledged $1 million to create an endowed fund supporting research in plant pathology, with a focus on diseases affecting cotton and other important crops.
“This was a defining year for Fresno State philanthropy. Building on the successes of the previous year, our philanthropic partners stepped forward in unprecedented ways, positioning us to begin the current year with the strongest foundation in our history,” said Brady M. Crook, vice president for University Advancement at Fresno State. “Their vision and belief in Fresno State is driving momentum that will carry us forward as we elevate connection and expand impact. Together, these milestones reflect the growing pride and confidence in Fresno State’s mission. The coming year is when aspiration becomes action, and when extraordinary commitments transform into lasting change for our students, faculty and community.”
Looking ahead to the new fiscal year, University Advancement plans to strengthen ties with alumni and donors using new tools such as Victoria—an AI-powered virtual engagement officer powered by Givzey’s Version2.ai—to facilitate personalized communication via email and text.
