Sacramento State is On the Rise

By Tracie Popma

On the Rise: The Campaign for Sacramento State, the University's first comprehensive fundraising campaign, exceeded its goal by raising $229 million by February of this year—much earlier than planned—providing even greater support for students, and significant resources for faculty and programs throughout campus.

Sac State launched the public phase of the campaign in March 2021, the first virtual launch in the California State University system, with a goal of raising $225 million. It surpassed its goal months before its original June 2023 deadline, an indication of significant community commitment. Reaching its key philanthropic milestone allowed the University to conclude and celebrate the campaign's success on June 30, 2022, a year ahead of schedule.

"The goal we set was ambitious. Despite challenges along the way, we exceeded our own expectations, and the results speak for themselves," said Sacramento State President Robert S. Nelsen. "Meeting—and then exceeding—the goal was a herculean effort by everyone in the region and thousands of alumni across the country."

The campaign began in July 2015, and since then more than $49 million charitable bequest commitments were made, in addition to gifts from more than 15,000 donors. More than 7,000 alumni, 800 former and current faculty and staff, and 600 parents of students gave individual gifts for special fundraising efforts, such as Give Sac State Day, and special naming opportunities for the Planetarium ("A Seat Under the Stars") and University Theatre ("Take a Seat"). The University also collaborated with prominent supporters to enhance educational access and opportunities and elevate the impact of philanthropy on the region and beyond.

"Everything we do at Sacramento State is to keep students moving toward a future that allows them the ability to succeed and then share that success to build stronger communities," said Tina Treis, the Foundation board chair. "We offer direct and indirect support. Where some students may benefit from scholarships, all students benefit from having dedicated faculty developing the programs that will lead them to their careers."

"Faculty embraces more than 31,000 students each year," Treis said. "Sacramento State is an anchor in this community, a reliable mainstay that has been advocating for students, knowledge, and community for nearly 75 years. Though we have exceeded our goal, we need to continue this work together because education doesn't have an end date."

Learn more about how you can support Sacramento State, contact Steven Loya at (916) 278-6115 or loya@csus.edu.