File photo.
Fresno State has announced the launch of “Lead with Pride: The Campaign for Fresno State,” a comprehensive fundraising campaign, on Oct. 20.
The campaign is designed to transform lives through education, research and community partnerships, according to a news release. It follows a record-setting fiscal year in 2024-25, when Fresno State secured $38.85 million in gifts, including 13 donations of over $1 million – its second highest fundraising year ever.
The campaign focuses on four main pillars: Pathways of Pride, Moments that Matter, Knowledge in Action and Partners with Purpose, according to the release. The four areas support student access and success, improve student experiences, athletics and impactful research.
“Lead with Pride is more than a campaign — it’s a reflection of who we are and what we believe,” said Brady Crook, vice president for University Advancement at Fresno State. “This is our moment to come together, invest in our students and shape the future of the Valley and beyond. We’re inviting every member of the Bulldog community to join us on this journey.”
Philanthropic efforts are already impacting programs like educational theatre, nursing technology, hands-on research and student-athlete recruitment.
“Lead with Pride invites us to appreciate the deep impact Fresno State has on the economy and society of our Valley — from teachers to nurses to engineers to businesspeople to artists, Fresno State is the transformative energy that elevates our lives in the Valley,” said Fresno State President Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval. “Hence, why we all need to contribute to its success — the stronger Fresno State is, the stronger our Valley will be.”