Fresno State announced on Oct. 20 the launch of its philanthropic, comprehensive campaign, “Lead with Pride: The Campaign for Fresno State,” a people-powered movement aimed at transforming lives through education, discovery and community partnership.
Building on a record-setting year of philanthropy, the campaign celebrates the collective pride and generosity that have long defined the Central Valley. In fiscal year 2024-25, Fresno State received gifts totaling $38.85 million — including 13 gifts of $1 million or more — representing the second-highest fundraising year in university history.
“Lead with Pride is more than a campaign — it’s a reflection of who we are and what we believe,” said Brady Crook, vice president for University Advancement at Fresno State. “This is our moment to come together, invest in our students and shape the future of the Valley and beyond. We’re inviting every member of the Bulldog community to join us on this journey.”
The campaign focuses on four key pillars — Pathways of Pride, Moments that Matter, Knowledge in Action and Partners with Purpose — that, together, reflect the university’s mission to open doors, enrich journeys, advance research and strengthen regional impact.
Philanthropic investments are already shaping the student experience, supporting areas such as educational theatre programs, technology to train nurses, hands-on research and student-athlete recruitment.
Campaign priorities will continue to advance student access and success, student experiences, athletics and research.
“Lead with Pride invites us to appreciate the deep impact Fresno State has on the economy and society of our Valley — from teachers to nurses to engineers to businesspeople to artists, Fresno State is the transformative energy that elevates our lives in the Valley,” said Fresno State President Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval. “Hence, why we all need to contribute to its success — the stronger Fresno State is, the stronger our Valley will be.”
“Lead with Pride invites us to appreciate the deep impact Fresno State has on the economy and society of our Valley — from teachers to nurses to engineers to businesspeople to artists, Fresno State is the transformative energy that elevates our lives in the Valley,” said Fresno State President Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval. “Hence, why we all need to contribute to its success — the stronger Fresno State is, the stronger our Valley will be.”
The university welcomed more than 6,600 new undergraduate students this fall and celebrated more than 6,000 graduates in May. As one of the nation’s top universities for social mobility, Fresno State continues to elevate students and communities across the Central Valley and beyond.
For more information about the campaign, visit leadwithpride.fresnostate.edu.
