Big Donation Comes with a Big Star
Ricky Welshiemer, Assistant News Editor
Richard_Welshiemer@csumb.edu
April 7, 2008
On March 20, CSU Monterey Bay’s (CSUMB) President Dianne Harrison was presented with a $620,000 donation towards the new Tanimura & Antle Family Memorial Library and CSUMB’s athletic department by Clint Eastwood the Chairman on the board of Monterey Peninsula Foundation (MPF) and Ollie Nutt the President and CEO of MPF.
“They [MPF] awarded CSUMB a $500,000 grant to the new $64 million library because they consider it a pivotal new asset for student development and for the future of the University,” said Scott Faust, the Executive Director of Strategic Communications at CSUMB. “They [MPF] also recognize the value of encouraging student athletes and developing the University’s athletics program, which is why they gave an additional $120,000 for athletic scholarships.”
At the press conference held in front of the new library Eastwood said, “The Monterey Peninsula Foundation is very pleased to be involved with this University and with this library. With the world of the Internet, libraries don’t get the attention they deserve.”
“The contribution from the Monterey Peninsula Foundation is extremely important to CSUMB. It indicates their confidence in our institution and our future progress, especially with the library and our student athletes,” said President Harrison. “The fact that Mr. Eastwood and Mr. Nutt made a personal visit to campus to help with the announcement not only solidifies our relationship with the MPF but also serves as a great message to the rest of the community that some of the most influential leaders in Monterey are supporting our efforts. We hope that others will follow their lead.”
MPF has been providing financial support to CSUMB since its first years of opening. “The Monterey Peninsula Foundation is one of our region’s most important philanthropic organizations, with a particular emphasis on youth development and educational programs. This philanthropy will ensure our University continues to fulfill the vision its founders laid out 13 years ago,” said Harrison.
The press conference ended with President Harrison giving a tour of the new library to Eastwood and Nutt. Afterwards time was allowed for students, administrators and faculty to meet with Eastwood and Nutt.
“CSUMB looks forward to maintaining a strong relationship with MPF and other prospective funders to make sure they are aware of the exciting momentum here at CSUMB and how they can continue to support the University’s development,” said Faust.