California State University, Stanislaus was given a gift of half a million dollars Friday from long-time university supporters Ed and Bertha Fitzpatrick.
CSU Stanislaus President Hamid Shirvani has recommended that the campus’ Warrior Arena be renamed the Ed & Bertha Fitzpatrick Arena in recognition of their generosity.
The Fitzpatricks are the owners of Valley Lexus/Valley BMW in Modesto and other car dealerships in the Bay Area. Ed Fitzpatrick has served on the university’s Foundation Board for many years and the couple has also been active in supporting the Warrior Athletics program and regularly attends home basketball games.
“I am so grateful to Ed and Bertha for their generous gift,” Shirvani said. “The Fitzpatricks have been strong supporters of CSU Stanislaus for many years.”
“Bertha and I are proud to support our local University in producing well-rounded graduates,” Ed Fitzpatrick said. “Academics and athletics must work hand in hand to help students develop both the mind and the body. Over the past few years, we have seen CSU Stanislaus grow academically and athletically under Ham’s leadership. The Cal State Stanislaus Warriors have great years ahead of them, and we will be cheering from the sidelines.”