COMPREHENSIVE CAMPAIGN

Pinnacle of giving

By Mary Anna Dunn
Director, Comprehensive Campaign

More than 10,000 people and organizations donated to Fresno State last year, providing the university with private support that is vital to programs all across the campus. Donors give for scholarships, library materials, instructional programs, outreach efforts, capital construction and more.

As Fresno State looks ahead to its first comprehensive campaign, the role of private support becomes increasingly important. The difference between good and great depends heavily on private dollars to complement resources provided by the state.

This year, 2004-05, the generosity of alumni, friends, parents, businesses and foundations continues and the university is preparing to celebrate its top donors. The premier donor event is the Pinnacle Society dinner in May. Established in 1997, the Pinnacle Society recognizes donors for their cumulative giving.

Pinnacle Founders – numbering more than 200 – have been recognized for their lifetime giving of $100,000 or more. In a formal ceremony, President Welty has awarded them medallions with a reproduction of Ansel Adams’ “Moon and Half Dome,” a striking image representing vision, foresight and investment in Fresno State students and programs.

As of 2005, two Pinnacle levels are being initiated: El Capitan for donors at the $500,000 cumulative level and Paramount for donors of $1 million or more. Nineteen Pinnacle Founders already qualify at the Paramount level and will be presented with a custom-designed crystal memento. New Paramount donors also will be inducted this spring.

“Fresno State has a deep tradition of philanthropy, as demonstrated by Pinnacle Society members,” says Welty. “The university’s comprehensive campaign will build on that tradition.”

Annual contributions recognized

In addition to acknowledging lifetime giving, the Fresno State celebrates annual giving from alumni and friends. Annual recognition levels established this spring are based on individuals’ total giving to all university programs.

Centennial Society $10,000 and up
Cardinal and Blue Patrons $ 5,000-$9,999
Benefactors $ 2,500-$4,999
Fellows $ 1,000-$2,499
Builders $ 500-$999
Partners $ 100-$499

As an example, someone who donates $1,000 to Ag One, $1,200 to the Bulldog Foundation and $500 to the Madden Library will be acknowledged as a Benefactor.

Plans are under way to publish an Honor Roll of Contributors on the Fresno State Web site after the close of the fiscal year.

Legacies to celebrate

Founding members of the Heritage Society will be acknowledged this year.

The society recognizes those who have included Fresno State in their estate plans. Membership is open to individuals who inform the university of a bequest, trust, real estate gift, insurance gift or charitable gift annuity benefiting Fresno State.

Carol Widmer, director of planned giving, says, “We appreciate knowing about people’s arrangements so that we understand their intentions and can make sure their ultimate gift will support the program of their choice.”

For more information about gifting methods, contact Widmer at 8-8667 or at cwidmer@csufresno.edu.