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$1 million gift at Christmas Tree Lane brings holiday cheer for Bulldog Marching Band

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Gary Gilroy
 

by Tom Uribes

Christmas arrived early for the California State University, Fresno Marching Band -- a $1 million donation from an anonymous Fresno couple.

The gift was announced in December by President John D. Welty after the band performed at opening ceremonies for Christmas Tree Lane.

"I am thrilled to announce that you are now the 'Million Dollar Marching Band,'" Welty told the Bulldog musicians.

While the boisterous and elated college students cheered at hearing the president announce the news, a stunned Gary P. Gilroy, director of the Fresno State Marching Band, was moved to tears. He called it a "milestone moment" in the history of the band and the Department of Music at Fresno State. "I cannot begin to express my appreciation to this couple for their magnificent gift to the Marching Band," Gilroy said. "Their gift ensures that the Fresno State Bulldog Marching Band will continue to live on and uphold the traditions of excellence in the spirit of the university and the community."

The gift will be used to support the Marching Band program, including support for an endowed chair of music which would be filled by the director of the marching band, said Dr. Peter Smits, vice president for advancement. The donation will also provide scholarships, equipment and operating expenses.

"Million dollar endowments for university marching bands are extremely rare," Smits said.

The anonymous donors have watched the band grow in size and strength over the past few years, he said, and are very impressed with its accomplishments.

"They have supported the band for many years and understand what it takes to operate a marching band of this size and quality," Smits said.

Gilroy may be reached at (559) 278-5086 and Smits at (559) 278-6050.