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. We are proud to be graduating our future teachers, nurses, scientists and business partners.

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. Your contributions provide support for a wide variety of programs.

Sonoma State University currently has an enrollment level of approximately 8,900 students. More than 3,100 students live in residential housing on campus. In addition, more than 1,500 adult students participate in the Osher LifeLong Learning Program. Our donors directly and positively impact all these students as well as our outstanding faculity and programs.

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 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, special education and pupil personnel services. 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

One of Sonoma State University's most outstanding features is the Jean and Charles Schulz Information Center that houses the state-of-the-art library and the Information Center. It may be accessed by registered students, alumni and community members.

Athletics
More than 250 student athletes compete around the State of California. The SSU Seawolves represent 13 competitive sports: 8 women's teams -- basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, water polo and volleyball; 5 men's teams -- baseball, basketball, golf, soccer and tennis. Your support of our student athletes and coaches is greatly appreciated. We are champions!

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As the University has grown over 4 decades so has its economic impact on the communities in which SSU students, graduates and staff live and work. Our community makes SSU what it is: a hub for higher learning and a place to build friendships and lasting partnerships. You help make SSU great through your participation as a student, as a parent, and attendee of exhibits, performances and sporting events. Your investment in SSU is an investment in your community.

A comprehensive study of the impact of Sonoma State University dramatically and positively shows how the campus directly and indirectly affects the economic, social, itellectual and cultural life of California.

The study found that SSU generates $5 for every $1 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 multiplier effect, into $385 million in consumer spending, sustaining 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 through research, education, and an entrepreneurial spirit.

We encourage partnership between faculty, staff, students and our community. Your support is vital.

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Sonoma State University values its friends and donors who invest in the future of the University and its students. Our valued donors, are recognized in a variety of ways.

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.

Contributions made by 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. It honors the founding president of Sonoma State University and his wife and all thoughtful donors who invest in Sonoma State through a planned gift such as 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. Receiving such a legacy gift from thoughtful and committed alumni and friends is a tremendous honor for the University. Embedding your name or the name of a loved one on a building, room or space at Sonoma State Univeristy benefits everyone.
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