Donor Recognition
Every gift to SFSU tells a story of generosity, purpose and possibility. Through some of the most significant philanthropic commitments in SFSU’s history, our transformational donors have helped expand student opportunity, strengthen academic excellence, advance faculty research and create lasting impact across the University and beyond.
Defining the Future of the Liberal Arts
After they started dating as undergraduates at SFSU, George Marcus (B.A., ’65) and Judie Otten Marcus (B.A., ’62) fell in love and got married. Over the years, they have been stalwart supporters of the University. In November 2018, they also became the University's largest donors. The Marcuses funded and established the George and Judy Marcus Funds for Excellence in the Liberal Arts, a comprehensive gift to the College of Liberal & Creative Arts that includes four new endowed faculty chairs, support for student and faculty research, and program and facilities upgrades.
Read about George and Judy Marcus
Fueling Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Opportunity
Alum Chris Larsen (B.S., ’84), his wife Lyna Lam and Rippleworks Foundation partnered to generously donate $25 million to SFSU’s College of Business. The Chris Larsen and Lyna Lam Funds for the College of Business have inspired innovation, entrepreneurship and financial technology education. Read more about this gift, and about Chris’s journey from being the first in his family to attend college to one of the world’s most iconoclastic business leaders.
Read about the Larsen-Lam-Rippleworks gift
From Scientific Spark to Lasting Impact
From founding biotech companies to endowing a translational research award at SFSU, Kenneth S. Fong (B.A. ’71; M.A. ’74), Ph.D., has advanced scientific discovery, translational research and education. As the largest individual donor to the University’s Science and Engineering Innovation Center, Ken Fong has helped create lasting infrastructure and opportunities that support faculty research, student learning and real-world impact for generations to come.
Read about Kenneth S. Fong
Opening Pathways to Career Success
Kathy Kwan’s philanthropy reflects a deep belief in the power of career readiness, leadership development and opportunity to transform students’ lives. Through the Eustace-Kwan Family Foundation, she has been a generous and visionary partner to SFSU’s Career Services & Leadership Development, helping students and alumni build the confidence, skills and professional networks they need to thrive.
Read about Kathy Kwan
Building a STEM Workforce
Through a historic $10.5 million grant to SFSU’s College of Science & Engineering, the Genentech Foundation has helped expand access, opportunity and hands-on research experience for the next generation of scientists. Supporting more than 100 undergraduate and graduate students each year, the grant has provided transformative scholarships that help students from low-income backgrounds devote more time to research, mentoring and academic discovery. This partnership has strengthened SFSU’s role in preparing a diverse STEM workforce for the Bay Area and beyond.
Read about the Genentech Foundation's grant
Turning Conflict Into Understanding
Linda and Frank Kurtz (M.S. ’74) believe that conflict, when approached with care and skill, can become an opportunity for dialogue, growth and stronger community. Inspired by their family histories, Linda’s SFSU experience and a deep commitment to giving back, the Kurtzes have supported scholarships and conflict management workshops that help students build skills in listening, facilitation and engaging across difference. Their generosity deepens SFSU’s commitment to helping students learn not only to navigate complex conversations, but to create more just and collaborative communities.
Read about Frank and Linda Kurtz