In just 1,960 minutes, the Stanislaus State community came together in 2025 to raise more than $542,172 in support of student scholarships, new programs and life-changing opportunities during the university’s first-ever 1960 Minutes of Giving campaign.
This year’s campaign will kick off from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday in the Turlock University Quad with lawn games and other ways to donate. Visitors can donate non-perishable food and hygiene items, diapers and wipes, new or gently used t-shirts, shorts and socks or new or gently used professional clothing for students to wear for class presentations, conferences, job interviews or internships.
A laser engraving keychain workshop will be held from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Warrior FabLab.
On the Stockton campus, a mini book nook workshop will be held from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday in Room 1049, and a rock painting event will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in front of Acacia.
A Grad Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at the Turlock campus’ University Student Center. A pop-up ice-cream bar will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday in the Turlock University Student Center. Also on the Turlock campus, a button making event and 1960 Minutes of Giving countdown will be held from 1 p.m. to 3:40 p.m. on the first floor of the University Library.
The campus community, alumni and the public are invited to all the events.
Several major philanthropic commitments powered the 2025 campaign’s momentum and impact:
HealthForce Partners Northern San Joaquin Valley contributed $200,000 to expand the Health Graduate Degree Educational Expenses Scholarship Fund. The gift provided critical financial support for graduate students pursuing degrees in social work, marriage and family therapy and counseling. An additional $75,000 gift was specifically designated for nursing students in Stockton and San Joaquin County.
New gifts totaling $137,500 launched the Pathways to Student Success program, an initiative designed to increase retention, academic achievement and graduation rates while preparing students to meet critical workforce needs in the Central Valley.
The campaign sparked a wave of generosity, engagement and Warrior pride across campus and throughout the community.
“What I’m grateful for from Stan State is the three generations of my family that have been educated here,” said Stan State alumnus Cesar Ochoa in 2025. “I see the impact that we have on our community, in our state and this world.”
Friendly giving challenges and matches inspired friendly competition and boosted participation across colleges, programs, athletic teams and alumni groups. Matching gift incentives doubled the impact of donations to areas including Mathematics, the Stockton Campus, ASI and Athletics.
Participation challenges rallied support for the Pathways to Student Success program, Warrior Fab Lab, the Black Faculty and Staff Association, Stockton Campus and others.
Creative challenges – such as the Mathematics Department faculty’s “reward milestones,” culminating in a math-themed tattoo – energized donors.
Athletics teams competed for top leaderboard honors, with Women’s Soccer earning the most gifts.
Athletics programs rallied impressive support throughout the campaign, with Women’s Soccer leading all teams by securing 167 gifts, the highest number among participating departments and programs. Cross County secured 138 gifts.
The success of 1960 Minutes of Giving reflects not only Stan State’s growing culture of philanthropy but also the deep connection between the University and the region it serves. The campaign’s impact will be felt far beyond the 1,960 minutes – in classrooms, careers and communities across the Central Valley.
