One Campaign; Infinite Outcomes
Over $142 million was raised for the College of Letters & Science from 2016-2024
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
"Other Entities 16.1%; Alumni 24.2%; Corporations 4.6%; Foundations 22.2%; Individuals 32.9%
"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.
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