BOLD Thinking Campaign

bold thinking the campaign for San Francisco State University

BOLD Thinking
The Campaign for San Francisco State University

Simply enrolling in a university is bold for many students at San Francisco State University, who may be the first in their family to attend college, a full-time student with a full-time job, or even former prison inmates. Our BOLD Thinking campaign, active from August 2013 through December 2019, raised $156.7 million to provide these students with the support and inspiration they need to join the ranks of our distinguished alumni and lead fulfilling lives.

As we renew our commitment to addressing our student body's basic needs, providing up-to-date facilities and buildings on our campus, and maintaining our position as a top university for upward mobility, our philanthropic partnerships will continue to be of primary importance.

Thank you to the 20,000 donors who supported San Francisco State University in the campaign! YOU made the BOLD Thinking campaign a success.

Campaign stats infographic

Campaign duration: August 1, 2013 to December 31, 2019 | Total raised: $156,729,451 | 4% over goal

 

 

George and Judy Marcus
George and Judy Marcus

Defining The Future

With a $25 million gift from alumni George & Judy Marcus, the College of Liberal & Creative Arts expanded undergraduate research, hired four new faculty chairs, and enhanced the Creative Writing and Cinema Programs.

Infographic breaking down donors
Donors to the BOLD Thinking campaign:

GROUPS $86.2 million: 31% foundations, 5% other groups, 18% corporations
INDIVIDUALS $70.5 million: 31% alumni/ae, 1% parents & students, 3% faculty and staff, 11% friends

 

Visionary Donors

More than 20,000 donors contributed to the BOLD Thinking campaign. 9,000 donors to the campaign gave to the University for the first time

20,000 donors 9,000 new donors

20,000 donors including 9,000 new donors

 

 

Donors with Lynn Mahoney
Left to right: Doug Galen, Chris Larsen, Quang Lam, Lyna Lam, President Lynn Mahoney, Ph.D.
 

Inspiring Innovation

Alumnus Chris Larsen, wife Lyna Lam, and Rippleworks Foundation's $25 million gifts were one of the largest made with digital assets in history. The donation has brought cutting-edge business programs to the newly-named Lam Family College of Business.

campaign support infographic
Major Areas of Campaign Support

$54.2M Programs Support
$52M Faculty Support
$46.1 Student Support
$4.4M Facilities & Equipment

 

A World-Class University

From endowing scholarships to new building construction, the comprehensive BOLD Thinking campaign transformed the entire University

 

two scientists in science lab

Ensuring Student Sucess

A $10M grant from Genentech supports STEM students so they can work in labs and complete their degrees.

faculty endowed chairs infographic

7 Faculty Chairs Endowed by Campaign

180 scholarships endowed

180 New Scholarships Endowed by Campaign

 

thank you graphic

THANK YOU!

We thank you and all who have generously supported the BOLD Thinking campaign.

As the success of the BOLD Thinking campaign signifies, your passion and generosity have fueled an incredible culture of philanthropic giving at San Francisco State University. As we build a bold new future for the University, we are inspired by the generous support that you and our community of donors have given to our programs and students. Your support and partnership are crucial to our students’ accomplishments and ability to become leaders in their fields. Your investment gives life to their dreams and strengthens their capacity to make progressive change in a dynamic world. We hope you’ll continue to join us in the important work of building a stronger Bay Area and California, one student at a time.

 

President Lynn Mahoney

Lynn Mahoney, Ph.D.
President
San Francisco State University

Jeff Jackanicz

Jeff Jackanicz
President
San Francisco State University Foundation

Kimberly Brandon

Kimberly Brandon
Chair
San Francisco State University Foundation

john gumas

John Gumas
Campaign Chair
San Francisco State University Foundation

Campaign Committee

John Gumas (B.S.,'84), Chair
Sheldon Axler, Ph.D.
Dan Corvin (B.A.,'72)
Nancy Fudem
Trevor Getz, Ph.D.
Mark Johnson, M.F.A.
Alex MacBride (B.F.A., '75)
Judy Marcus (B.A.,'72)
Neda Nobari (B.S.,'84)
Marsha Rosenbaum (M.A.,'72)
David L. Simon (B.A.,'72)
Camilla Smith
Yim-Yu Wong, Ph.D.
Darlene Yee-Melichar, Ed.D., FAGHE, FGS

Female graduate

Learn more about the BOLD Thinking campaign:

Neda and a student researcher working together

Campaign Priorities

Learn about the focus areas of our campaign to raise $150 million to secure San Francisco State University's place as a world-class university.

Picture of the Thornton Hall building

Campaign Initiatives

From scholarships to state-of-the-art buildings, our campaign is deeply impacting San Francisco State University.

Student graduate posing with professor at commencement

Why Give to SF State?

Contributing to San Francisco State University changes lives and enriches the community through supporting SF States' diverse and resourceful graduates.

Professor speaking at a commencement

Campaign Leadership

Learn about our Leadership and Campaign Cabinet.