On Campus | In the Community | Donor Recognition

Sonoma State University, founded as a teacher education center in 1960, has evolved into a liberal arts and sciences university. It is the only university in California to be invited to join the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges, a prestigious national group of institutions.

Last year, over $17 million in private gifts and pledges was contributed to the University by alumni, friends, parents, faculty and staff. Contributions have provided support for a wide variety of academic and student programs.

We invite you to become part of the fabric of this institution and to leave your legacy for generations to come by investing in our people, programs, and places of learning.

Within its 36 academic departments, SSU offers 41 bachelor's degree programs and 14 master's degree programs. In addition, the University offers a joint master's degree in mathematics with San Francisco State University and a joint doctorate in educational administration with California State University, Sacramento and the University of California, Davis. The University's academic departments are housed in six schools:

• School of Arts and Humanities
• School of Business and Economics
• School of Education
• School of Extended Education
• School of Science and Technology
• School of Social Sciences

The University offers 9 credential programs and 8 undergraduate and graduate certificate programs. Basic teaching credential programs in education include multiple subject, multiple subject BCLAD, single subject, administrative services, reading/language arts (certificate or specialist), special education (mild/moderate or moderate/severe), pupil personnel services (via the Counseling Department). Sonoma State University currently has an enrollment level of approximately 8,900 students. Over 2,400 students live in residential housing on campus. In addition, over 1,200 adult students participate in the Osher LifeLong Learning Program.

One of Sonoma State University's most outstanding features is the Jean and Charles Schulz Information Center. A state of the art facility, the Information Center and Library may be accessed by registered students, alumni and community members.

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For over 44 years Sonoma State University has directly and indirectly contributed to the local economy. As the University has grown, so has its economic impact on the communities in which SSU students, graduates and staff live and work.

A comprehensive study of the impact of Sonoma State University and the other 22 campuses of the California State University dramatically shows how the campus directly or indirectly affects the economic, social, intellectual and cultural life of California.

The study found that Sonoma State University generates $5 for every dollar the state invests in the 8,000-student campus. In 2002/03, the State invested $77 million in Sonoma State University which translates, via the multiplier effect, into $385 million in consumer spending.

Sonoma State University's annual impact on the Bay Area region is enormous. Annual spending related to Sonoma State University in the Bay Area region ($216 million) generates a total impact of $383 million on the regional economy (a $4.97 return for every $1 spent). This impact sustains more than 5,300 jobs in the region, and generates nearly $20 million per year in tax revenue.

Even greater—$528 million of the earnings by alumni from Sonoma State University are attributable to their CSU degrees. Sonoma State University improves California's economy with research, education, and an entrepreneurial spirit. The CSU significantly contributes to the skilled workforce of California's technical industries.

Sonoma State University improves California's economy with research, education, and an entrepreneurial spirit. The CSU significantly contributes to the skilled workforce of California's technical industries. Sonoma State University's School of Science and Technology established undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering and computer science in response to the urging of the regional telecommunications industry. Telecom businesses invested more than $8 million to help the university create state-of-the-art laboratories and establish an endowment.

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Sonoma State University values its friends and donors who invest in the future of the University and its students. To honor our valued donors, we recognize them as members of one of our donor recognition societies.

The President's Club recognizes the generous support of alumni and friends who have contributed $5,000 or more to Sonoma State University. These special friends provide much needed assistance to many University programs and projects that enable our students to achieve their educational goals.

The Redwood Society is Sonoma State University's newest and most influential giving society, and recognizes the valued partners whose generous support has played a vital role in the future of the University. Contributions made by The Redwood Society members have significantly strengthened the educational programs of the University and will benefit Sonoma State University for generations to come. Members of The Redwood Society have each contributed a cumulative total of $25,000 or more to Sonoma State University.

The Ambrose and Barbara Nichols Founders Society was established in 1989 to honor the founding president of Sonoma State University and his wife. Members of this society are recognized for their university support through planned gifts to the University, which include gifts committed through charitable remainder trusts, life estates, insurance policies, living trusts and bequests.

For many donors, a capital gift provides the satisfaction of knowing that their generosity will influence the experience of generations of students and faculty yet to come. Naming is Sonoma State University's way of thanking donors—by embedding your name or the name of a loved one in the future of this extraordinary institution as an enduring honor. While providing a permanent legacy for the donor, the honor of naming a building, classroom, or rooms within an existing facility are enormously rewarding for Sonoma State University. It benefits the institution greatly to be associated with the deep commitment of thoughtful philanthropists.

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