June 1, 2009

Fresno State launched the public phase of its first-ever comprehensive fundraising campaign, the Campaign for Fresno State, at an event on campus for friends and donors on Saturday, May 30. President John D. Welty announced a fundraising goal of $200 million to be achieved by the end of the campaign on June 30, 2012. To date, $132.4 million has been raised.

Alumni Dennis Woods, president and CEO of United Security Bank in Fresno, and Omel Nieves, an attorney and shareholder in a Pasadena law firm, were introduced as the co-chairs of the public Campaign for Fresno State.

Jan and Bud Richter of Fresno, co-chairs of the “quiet phase” of the campaign the past three years, were honored for their service, which includes involvement in Fresno State that spans 60 years. A fellowship for students involved in community service, the Richter Fellow, was established in their name. The Richters’ leadership helped the quiet phase of the campaign meet and exceed its mid-term goal.

President John D. Welty said, “The Campaign for Fresno State comes at a critical time for our university, our region and the world. We are determined to provide our students an outstanding, world-class education that enables them to go on and lead lives of consequence.

“The gifts we receive through the campaign change the way we think about what we do and change our ability to think about the future,” Welty added. “Never in our history have we had so many opportunities for progress within our reach. Gifts large or small provide scholarships, equipment, tools, research programs, building enhancements and experiences for students and faculty that wouldn’t happen without donor support.”

Woods has been a longtime volunteer at Fresno State, where he has been a member of the President’s Circle, Heritage Society, Bulldog Foundation Board, Green V Foundation and the Campaign Leadership Committee. He was named a Top Dog for Arts and Humanities by the Fresno State Alumni Association in 2007.

He spearheaded the construction and financing of the bronze Bulldog statue in the Save Mart Center lobby at Fresno State. A generous gift from Dennis and his wife Cheryl triggered a matching gift and enabled the renovation of the Arena Theatre in the Speech Arts Building, now named the Dennis and Cheryl Woods Theatre.

Nieves was on the 1982-83 basketball team that captured the National Invitation Tournament championship. As co-captain, he received the Scholastic Award for Outstanding Student-Athlete and played professional basketball in Puerto Rico for five years. He earned a law degree from the University of California, Davis and is a shareholder in the law firm of Hunt, Ortmann, Palffy, Nieves, Lubka, Darling & Mah where he specializes in construction, real estate and business litigation.

Nieves has been an active volunteer and philanthropist in his community serving numerous charitable organizations. He has volunteered at Fresno State, serving as a director of the Fresno State Alumni Association and as a President’s Circle member.

“Jan and Bud Richter have shown outstanding dedication and leadership, coupled with exemplary generosity,” said Welty. “They have been an inspiration to all who have had the benefit of working with them. We are certain that Dennis Woods and Omel Nieves will guide us to a successful conclusion of the Campaign for Fresno State.”

A redesigned Web site supporting the Campaign for Fresno State, www.supportfresnostate.com provides information about the campaign and university priorities for funding.