STOCKTON—
The estate of two Sacramento developers has gifted the University of Pacific $125 million – not only the largest donation in the school’s history, but also one of the largest amounts ever given to a U.S. university.
Robert and Jeannette Powell – developers known for their Gold River, Campus Commons and Selby Ranch projects – had been continuously involved with the school for the past 20 years. Robert was a regent from 1989 to 1993, while Jeannette served on the school’s board from 1999 until her death in 2012.
Further, the Powell’s donated $1.5 million back in 2000 to name the school’s art building the Jeannette Power Art Center. Jeannette had been a noted patron of the arts.
Both were awarded the school’s highest honor, The Order of Pacific, back in 2012.
According to a release from UOP, the Powell’s decide on leaving the gift back in 2007. Robert passed six months after announcing the decision.
With the gift, UOP’s endowment jumps to $337 million. The school notes that at least $90 million of the gift will be used in supporting student scholarships.
For more information, head to UOP’s website.