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One Campaign; Infinite Outcomes

Over $142 million was raised for the College of Letters & Science from 2016-2024

 

The main stair case of the social science and humanities building at sunset

The UC Davis College of Letters and Science successfully concluded the Expect Greater fundraising campaign (2016-2024), raising over $142 million — more than doubling the goal of its previous campaign. This remarkable achievement underscores the vital role that philanthropic support plays in shaping the future of higher education.

Philanthropy is the cornerstone of growth and innovation in academia. The funds raised during this campaign have already begun transforming the college, establishing new academic programs, expanding research opportunities and ensuring that students and faculty have the resources they need to excel.

 

Numbers at a Glance 

Alumni

Individuals

Corporations

Foundations

Other Entities

TOTAL:

$34,353,298

$46,770,722

$6,517,88

$31,580,635

$22,874,326

$142,096,869

Alumni

Individuals

Corporations

Foundations

Other Entities

15,502

3,687

4,285

386

127

304

GIFTS FROM 8,789 DONORS

 

The investment by donors in the college help our students, faculty and staff achieve great things. Donor funding takes our work from great to exceptional.

Charlene Mattison 

Assistant Dean, External Relations and Development

Philanthropy Makes the Difference

expect greater campaign pie chart
Multi-color pie chart reads clockwise:
"Other Entities 16.1%; Alumni 24.2%; Corporations 4.6%; Foundations 22.2%; Individuals 32.9%

 

Expect greater campaign bar chart by year
Bar chart reads left to right in format: Year- Fiscal Amount,
"2016-17 - $26,607,149; 2017-18 - $13,203,583; 2018-19 - $15,346,720; 2019-20 - $12,764,754; 2020-21 - $12,198,314; 2021-22 - $9,351,881; 2022-23 - $16,352,565; 2023-24 - $36,271,904"

131 New Endowments

 

Philanthropic endowments play a crucial role in advancing the mission of the UC Davis College of Letters and Science. 

These funds provide long-term financial stability, allowing the college to attract and retain top-tier faculty through endowed chairs, support innovative research and enhance student learning experiences. Endowments enable the college to remain competitive by funding vital interdisciplinary initiatives, new technologies and academic programs that might not be possible through general funding alone. They also empower donors to make lasting impacts, aligning their passions with the college’s strategic goals. Ultimately, endowments ensure that UC Davis remains at the forefront of academic excellence and innovation.

Endowments pledged

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Visit the Campaign Page 

 

Give to the L&S Annual Fund

 

42 bequests pledged

Philanthropic bequests are vital for shaping the future of institutions like UC Davis. These planned gifts, often made through wills or trusts, allow individuals to leave a lasting legacy that reflects their values and priorities.

Bequests provide crucial funding for scholarships, research, faculty positions and facilities, ensuring long-term support for students and programs. They offer a flexible way for donors to contribute, with the potential to significantly impact future generations. By including UC Davis in their estate plans, donors help secure the university’s ability to innovate and thrive, making a profound difference in its continued success.

 

14 New Endowed Chairs

Philanthropically endowed departmental academic chairs are a cornerstone of academic excellence and innovation. These endowed positions provide faculty with the resources to pursue groundbreaking research, attract top-tier talent and mentor the next generation of scholars. Endowed chairs also enhance a university's prestige, signaling a commitment to sustained academic leadership in key disciplines. They offer a perpetual source of funding, enabling departments to plan long-term and take bold, forward-thinking initiatives.

During the UC Davis Expect Greater Campaign, the College of Letters and Science set a remarkable record by establishing 14 new endowed chairs. This achievement underscores the college's dedication to fostering intellectual growth and academic distinction. Each endowed chair represents a lasting investment in the college’s future, empowering faculty to make significant contributions to their fields and enhancing the overall educational experience for students. The establishment of these chairs is a testament to the college’s ability to galvanize philanthropic support, ensuring that UC Davis continues to be a leader in research and education on a global scale.

 

ESTABLISHED

  • Bita Daryabari Presidential Chair in Persian Language and Literature at UC Davis
  • Comparative Literature & Middle East/South Asia Studies 
    Donor: Bita Daryabari $1.5M
  • Mohini Jain Presidential Chair in Jain Studies at UC Davis
  • Religious Studies 
    Donor: Mohini Jain $1.5M
  • Winston Ko Professorship in Science Leadership
  • Mathematical and Physical Sciences
    Donor: Winston and Katy Ko $1M
  • Vaida Endowed Chair in Cosmology and Astronomy
  • Physics and Astronomy
    Donor: Michael and Ester Vaida $1.5M
  • The Louise H. Kellogg Chair in Geophysics
  • Mathematical and Physical Sciences
    Donor: Douglas Neuhauser $2M
  • Austin and Arutha Goss Presidential Chair in African American and African Studies
  • African American and African Studies
    Donor: Darryl and Lois Goss $1.5M

 

PLEDGED

  • Lindert Endowed Chair in Economics 
  • Economics
    Donor: Peter and Linda Lindert $1.5M
  • Ana de Betterncourt-Dias Chair
  • Chemistry
    Donor: Ana de Bettencourt $2M
  • Thomas M. Kaiser Endowed Chair 
  • Music
    Donor: Thomas M. Kaiser $4M
  • Darrell Corti Endowed professorship
  • Rotates Between CAES and CLAS
    Donor: Bob and Evalyn Trinchero, and Richard Trinchero $1.5M
  • Devan amd Reena Shah Endowment
  • Art History
    Donor: Brendan and Bhavin Shah $2M
  • Maria Manetti Shrem Endowed Chair in Art Studio I
  • Art Studio
    Donor: Maria Manetti Shrem $2M
  • Maria Manetti Shrem Endowed Chair in Art Studio II
  • Art Studio

    Donor: Maria Manetti Shrem $2M

  • Maria Manetti Shrem Endowed Chair for Sustainable Design, Fashion, and Textile
  • Art Studio
    Donor: Maria Manetti Shrem $2M

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