Fresno Pacific University has received a $60 million gift from an anonymous alumnus — the largest single charitable gift in Central Valley history, according to the university.
The gift represents a major investment in the university’s healthcare and athletic programs.
The university announced the gift Monday morning at its Warkentine Culture and Arts Center. An emotional University President André Stephens described the donation as transformational, saying it will change the trajectory of Fresno Pacific University and expand what the university can offer students.
“It expands what is possible,” Stephens said. “It allows us to accelerate plans, launch bold new programs, invest in essential facilities and serve students in our community in ways that previously may have seemed beyond our reach.
The donation surpasses the $21.9 million gift from the estate of the late King J. Richter in August 2025 as the largest gift in school history.
A large portion of the gift will support scholarships and the university’s current and future healthcare programs. The funding will expand nursing programs and help establish a physician associate program, which is anticipated to launch May 2029.
Stephens said the goal is to become the premier institution in the Central Valley for education and preparation in healthcare fields, starting with nursing and physician associate education and potentially expanding into additional programs.
The donation also includes funding to advance Fresno Pacific’s track and field program, including facilities for the championship-winning program.
The donor, who was raised by a single mother and attended Fresno Pacific University, requested to remain anonymous. In a statement read by Stephens, the donor said the university’s professors and mentors had a lasting impact and cited the need for medical career opportunities in the Central Valley.
“I want this gift to create opportunities for students for many years to come,” the donor said. “My hope is that it will help students pursue their education, strengthen healthcare here in the Valley and give student-athletes the opportunity to excel in competition, in the classroom and in their faith.”
