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Anatomy of a gift
By Jill Wagner
Campaign Communications Director
The stunning announcement of a $29.4 million cash gift to the College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (CAST) by the Jordan family not only surprised many on campus, it left some wondering if that good fortune would be repeated elsewhere at Fresno State. The simple answer: It’s possible.
However, when a donor decides to support a program at Fresno State, it’s rarely random and unexpected. And the Jordan family’s gift is a powerful lesson about the important contributions to our university’s future by some behind-the-scenes staff members at Fresno State.
A team of development directors, supported by a centralized campaign team, works tirelessly bragging about our promising students, our talented faculty, our devoted staff and our innovative research that benefits the region and often the world.
Development directors make sure that donors know how appreciated they are and what a difference they can make at the university by developing warm, sincere relationships on behalf of Fresno State. The development team gets to know the community a person at a time. Potential donors are brought to campus and shown our amazing achievements.
Emeritus agricultural economics professor Bob Glim introduced the Jordan family to the work of CAST at a motor home rally. He did such a great job that they began a scholarship endowment in 1995 through the college’s Ag One Foundation without ever setting foot on the campus. Upon receiving the first gift on behalf of Ag One, the CAST development director Alcidia Freitas Gomes, also executive director of Ag One, drove to the Bay Area to personally thank the Jordans. Each year they contributed to the endowment, which now helps seven or eight students every academic year.
In the late 1990s, Glim sold his motor home and stopped attending the rallies, but Gomes continued visiting the Jordans a few times each year, bringing news of the Jordan scholarship recipients along with products from the Fresno State farm. Friendships formed and after her husband Bud died in 2002, Dee Jordan made several visits to campus.
While she knew the Jordans were loyal supporters of agricultural education, Gomes, along with CAST and Ag One leadership were overwhelmed by the generous demonstration of their support. Dee Jordan selected Fresno State to receive the largest amount of her family’s estate. She and Bud both believed in the importance of agriculture education and now generations of our students will benefit.
This gift came because Gomes spent 14 years building on the foundation of the first gift, establishing a trusting, caring relationship.
We are all relationship builders for the university. When we speak sincerely about our work or about a success on campus, we are helping building a foundation for support of our university. People want to know more and they want to hear from friends. Connections are made through the heart.
Today’s talk about the Fresno State we love could become tomorrow’s next big gift.
How we show “I am Fresno State”
Since the “I am Fresno State” campaign began a few years ago, many of us have reflected on the ways we connect with the university. Employees demonstrate they are part of the Fresno State family in a variety of ways. Some wear red every Friday while others volunteer to help with employee activities. Still others contribute financially to the university.
Here are their stories.
Amelia Hernandez
Administrative Assistant, Theatre Arts Department
“I have worked for Fresno State since 1972. Working with Fresno State faculty and students is such a joy for me. I feel that there are a lot of students who cannot afford college, and I take pleasure in making a difference in someone’s life by giving through payroll deduction.”
Helen Bailey
Administrative Assistant, University Development
“Supporting students is very important to me. I enjoy doing what I can to help students because I feel they are our future. It brings me joy to know that my donation has made a difference in someone’s life. I give to the Bulldog Pride Scholarship Fund through payroll deduction – it’s easy and convenient. If everyone could give a little, imagine all the students that could be helped.”
Patricia Pickford, Class of 1944
Professor Emerita, Department of Social Work Education
After teaching for 34 years, Patricia Pickford retired from the Department of Social Work Education. She still cares deeply, saying, “Fresno State is a regional university and I feel it is our obligation to support the educational system. Education is important to everyone and I give back by donating to the Arne Nixon Center for the Study of Children’s Literature.”
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Vol. 12 
