Diamond Learning Center Founder Jami Hamel DeLaCerda has committed $1 million to Fresno State's football program. University officials said it is the single largest gift by a women in Fresno State Athletics history. Photo illustration by Cecilia Lopez

A partnership between Fresno State Athletics and Diamond Learning Center supporting the university’s football program was announced Friday, with a $1 million donation from founder Jami Hamel DeLaCerda.

The university said the commitment — the largest single donation by a woman in Fresno State Athletics history — will help fund operational costs, including recruitment, retention and football student-athlete development.

“This is about empowering our coaches and student-athletes with the tools to compete and win — not just today, but for years to come,” Fresno State Athletic Director Garrett Klassy said. “Jami’s gift is transformational. It embodies everything we believe in at Fresno State — community, grit and belief in something bigger than yourself. It kickstarts a bold new era for Bulldog Athletics.”

Hamel DeLaCerda, president of Diamond Learning Center, founded the center in 2005 to serve individuals with intellectual disabilities. It recently expanded into a 60,000-square-foot facility in Clovis, formerly Celebration Church.

Diamond Learning Center provides personalized education and life skills training for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Hamel DeLaCerda also partnered with Clovis Community College in 2022 and 2023, securing the naming opportunity for its newly-completed soccer field.

“We believe so much in creating partnerships with our community; in turn we all benefit,” Hamel DeLaCerda said. “The Diamond Learning Center is a lifelong learning environment where we embrace who you are, where you are. The goal is a productive and safe adult life.”

Hamel DeLaCerda, a Fresno State alumna and first-generation college graduate, worked on campus as a student and is a former member of the Fresno State Bowling Team.

“With Fresno State football, I see that as its own community,” she said. “We are creating young men who are seeing their future past football. Not everyone will make it into the NFL, but every one of them will be a father, a husband, a friend. We’re proud to help shape that journey.”

The university also introduced a new fundraising campaign — The Valley Co-Op: Born, Bred, Built to Win — a coach-led giving model aimed at encouraging shared investment and responsibility, similar to agricultural cooperatives in the Valley.

“This isn’t just about dollars. It’s about belief,” added Tyler Mariucci, Senior Associate AD for the Bulldog Foundation. “Jami’s $1 million gift has already helped us unlock an additional $400,000 in matching gifts and now we’re inviting every Bulldog in the Valley to do their part.”

To learn more or make your gift to the Valley Co‑Op, visit the Bulldog Foundation website.