1960 Minutes, Lasting Impact: Stan State Raises More Than $270K to Support Student Success Acr...

In a powerful show of community and collective purpose, the Stanislaus State community raised $270,189 through 716 gifts during the University's second annual 1960 Minutes of Giving campaign, as of the conclusion of the nearly two-day effort.

Over 1,960 minutes - honoring the year Stan State opened its doors - alumni, students, faculty, staff and community partners came together to support scholarships, academic programs, student organizations, athletics and basic needs - expanding opportunities for Warriors to succeed in their educational journeys, graduate and thrive.

"Because of the extraordinary generosity of our Warrior community, our 1960 Minutes of Giving has made a powerful impact on the lives of our students," said Stan State President Britt Rios-Ellis. "Each contribution reflects a belief in access, equity and the transformative power of education. At Stan State, we are making strides to put every dollar given by our generous donors to work in ways that uplift our students and strengthen our region. I am deeply grateful to every donor who stood with us and invested in the future of our students, thereby protecting the American dream. Together, we are not only changing individual lives - we are uplifting families, strengthening communities and shaping the future of the Central Valley. ¡Mil gracias, Guerreros!"

This year's giving day extended beyond online participation, bringing the Warrior spirit to life across both the Turlock and Stockton campuses through a series of events that fostered connection, celebration and philanthropy.

In Turlock, Warrior Wednesday transformed the Quad into a hub of activity, with tabling and a donor thank-you board where students shared messages of appreciation, alongside on-the-spot opportunities to give. The "Fuel the Future" drive invited the community to donate food, hygiene items and professional clothing to support students' basic needs, while a hands-on laser engraving keychain workshop in the Warrior Fab Lab added a creative element to the day. In Stockton, students and supporters gathered for interactive activities, including a mini book nook workshop, and a donor "thank you" station that encouraged participation and reflection, while progress markers were added to a physical display board showcasing achievement toward the campus goal.

Momentum continued into the following day with events such as Grad Fair, a Warrior Eats pop-up and additional thank you stations across campus, culminating in a countdown celebration in the University Library. Together, these experiences created welcoming spaces for the campus community to come together, give back and celebrate the collective impact of supporting student success.

A wide range of matching gifts and challenge incentives energized participation throughout the campaign, with donors stepping forward to multiply the impact of every contribution. Leadership gifts - including a commitment from True Gospel Missionary Baptist Church supporting women's basketball scholarships and from Joanne Takahashi to advance nursing student scholarships - helped set the tone for a 32-hour effort defined by generosity and shared investment in students' futures.

Stanislaus State alumnus and Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Joe Ryan led one of the most impactful efforts, offering a triple-match challenge that significantly amplified support for student-athletes up to $14,500. Joanne Takahashi strengthened investment in the region's future healthcare workforce through a dollar-for-dollar match supporting nursing scholarships up to $10,000, while the Vieira Family helped unlock critical emergency funding for students facing financial hardship.

Faculty and campus leaders also played a vital role. Interim Vice President for Student Affairs Cindy Visot's basic needs challenges expanded resources for students experiencing food and housing insecurity, and President's Chief of Staff Gabriela Nuño's matching gift elevated support for first-generation students. New pathways for student success were forged by a matching gift from Vice President for University Advancement Cathy Wooton. In Stockton, Dean Sarah Sweitzer and Foundation Board Member Kristen Birtwhistle inspired strong regional participation through matching gifts and donor challenges, expanding opportunities for Stockton Campus initiatives.

Additional challenges encouraged broad engagement across campus, from alumni like Dave Halverson supporting athletics, to donors backing programs in chemistry, anthropology and business. President Britt Rios-Ellis and Dr. Enrique Rios-Ellis also helped build early momentum with a campaign-wide challenge that rallied participation in the first hours of each day.

Together, these challenge gifts not only increased the reach of each donation but also demonstrated the Warrior community's collective commitment to invest in student success, access and opportunity.

Beyond the totals, the impact of 1960 Minutes of Giving is measured in the lives it touches. Students across campus, including peer educators in the Learning Commons who support their fellow Warriors every day, shared how this generosity creates lasting opportunity.

Kira Mejia, a mathematics major and peer educator, reflected on the ripple effect of giving: "This kind of support contributes to a long line of students who will continue to grow, feel confident and make a difference not just on our campus but way, way down the line."

Muskaan Ali, an English major and peer educator, emphasized the broader impact on student success. "Every gift helps empower student success and supports students on their journey toward their professional and educational goals," he said.

For student-athletes, the impact is felt both on and off the field. Austin Balentine of the Stan State baseball team shared, "Your generosity helps our baseball program provide the equipment we need, support team travel and enhance the overall student-athlete experience. Because of your support, we're able to compete at a high level and represent Stan State well."

Members of the women's tennis team, Emma Yu and Maiah White, highlighted how giving expands opportunity and connection: "With your support, you give the tennis team the chance to make yearly trips in and out of state. In addition to our travels, we have the amazing opportunity to host international students to compete with us. Creating meaningful friendships with people from all over the world is a truly unique experience. We're able to compete at the level that we do because of your donation."

Support raised during the campaign will directly benefit students across disciplines and programs, helping them stay focused on their education, pursue hands-on learning experiences and prepare for careers that strengthen the region's workforce and communities.

The giving day reflects Stanislaus State's broader role as an anchor institution in the Central Valley - an engine of social and economic mobility that expands access to higher education and prepares graduates to meet the evolving needs of California's communities.

For many participants, the campaign was also a celebration of what it means to be part of the Warrior community - one that shows up, makes a difference and invests in the next generation.

You can still join others to make an impact by supporting the programs and areas that matter most to them at Stanislaus State.

"This Giving Day has been a beautiful reminder of what is possible when a community comes together with purpose and corazón," President Rios-Ellis said. "I am profoundly grateful for the way our Warrior familia continues to show up for one another - because when Stan State thrives, the Central Valley thrives."