San Diego State University today launched the public phase of a seven-year, $500 million fundraising campaign.
School officials have worked behind the scenes for four years to secure about $270 million in donations, including 49 gifts of over $1 million, according to the university.
"The campaign for SDSU will leverage the university's unique strengths and its synergy with the San Diego region in support of our students, our faculty, our staff and our community," said SDSU President Elliot Hirshman. "At a time when state support has been reduced, this effort is critically important to ensure SDSU can continue to provide a high-quality educational experience for the next generation of students."
He said private funding is needed by the university to attract and retain top faculty, support innovative programs and award scholarships.
All of SDSU's colleges, Aztec athletics and the school-operated KPBS radio and television stations will all be involved in the campaign, led by Costco founder Jim Sinegal, a 1959 SDSU graduate.
According to SDSU, about 60 percent of its 250,000 alumni remain in San Diego County.
