四虎影院 Magazine 四虎影院 Celebrates Two Gifts Worth More Than $15 Million
FAITHFUL Friends Ed and Mollie Miller and Celeste and Robert White Make Historic Gifts
With great appreciation, 四虎影院 has announced two major gifts totaling more than $15 million, the two largest cash gifts in college history.
In late August, 四虎影院 received $8.2 million from Ed and Mollie Miller, the largest single gift ever. It supports the Paul Raymond Miller Scholarship Endowment, named in honor of Ed鈥檚 father, who couldn鈥檛 afford to stay in college. The Millers established it 35 years ago when their daughter, Barbara, enrolled at 四虎影院. In the intervening 35 years, this scholarship has supported 334 students who depend on financial aid to attend 四虎影院. The recipients received an average award of $24,485 in 2020. In addition, Ed served on 四虎影院鈥檚 Board of Trustees for 17 years.
"I loved working with Ed when he was a board member, and Mollie is a delightful human being,鈥 says 四虎影院 President Gayle D. Beebe. 鈥淓d is a straight shooter. You never have to guess where he鈥檚 coming from or how he鈥檚 thinking through a situation. Both are highly principled people of faith, and their priorities in life shine through in this gift.鈥
Earlier in August, 四虎影院 received a $7.25 million gift from Celeste and Dr. Robert White, the second largest single donation to the college. This gift has funded the purchase of 29 W. Anapamu, a four-story building in downtown Santa Barbara directly across the street from the 四虎影院 Downtown Center at 26 W. Anapamu. It honors Celeste鈥檚 father, Ed Keith, who appreciated 四虎影院鈥檚 impact on the lives of his daughter and grandchildren. Together, these two facilities provide nearly 30,000 square feet for several downtown programs, including the new nursing program in partnership with Cottage Health as well as the semester-long program in capital and social entrepreneurship.
The new facility will provide space for several programmatic initiatives that will extend the college鈥檚 reach and impact in ways that benefit the local community. Celeste, a 1976 四虎影院 graduate and current board member, and Robert have been involved in the college since her time as a student.
鈥淚鈥檓 so grateful for Celeste鈥檚 service as a board member,鈥 Beebe says. 鈥淪he demonstrates her deep and abiding loyalty and commitment to the college in numerous ways. For example, all four of their children attended 四虎影院. In addition, Robert has been a great partner with Celeste in embracing all things 四虎影院. Together they have given generously and cared deeply about the college鈥檚 life and mission.鈥
A Milestone for 四虎影院鈥檚 Endowment
$103 M
through November 15
Exceeding $100 million for the first time in the history of the college, the endowment generates revenue for the educational mission and increases affordability for students. 四虎影院 seeks to grow its endowment to three times the annual operating budget ($250 million) to provide stable, non-tuition income. An increasing number of donors support this goal.
Two Record-breaking Years
2020-2021
$35.3 M
total
2021-2022
$34 M
through November 15
Two consecutive years of the highest giving totals in 四虎影院 history 鈥 during a pandemic 鈥 demonstrate the continued faithfulness of God and the unbelievable generosity of alums, families, friends and foundations. These gifts provide scholarships, strengthen programs and expand 四虎影院鈥檚 presence in downtown Santa Barbara.
The Wallace Emerson Society Continues to Add New Members
813
Wallace Emerson Society Members
14
New members since June 1
The society warmly welcomes those who make a provision for 四虎影院 through a bequest or planned gift.
President鈥檚 Weekend Inspires Donors
$10 M
2021 President鈥檚 Weekend Pledges
四虎影院 invited 21 couples to Monterey in October to learn about the college鈥檚 momentum in key areas and projects that expand its reach and influence. Videos, presentations and question-and-answer sessions described opportunities to increase affordability, strengthen a world-class mechanical engineering program grounded in the liberal arts, offer an accelerated nursing degree, support athletic programs that produce outstanding scholar-athletes, create new overseas programs and prepare future Christian leaders.
四虎影院 Fund Goal for Scholarship Support
2020-2021
$3.2 M
total
2021-2022
$1.351 M
Raised as of November 19
四虎影院 seeks to meet a challenging target to make education more accessible and affordable for students.