Supporters who make an early donation to Pacific Gives, the university’s 24-hour fundraising event April 26-27, can quadruple their gift with a generous match from former regent Rick Fleming ’69 and his wife Diana Fleming ’71. The match is doubled by the Powell Fund.

The Regents Endowed Scholarship Match will support first-generation students, PROMISE Scholars (former foster care and housing insecure students), as well as other deserving students from low-income families. Each dollar given to the scholarship will receive the match, up to $50,000.

It is one of 55 matches and challenges—with more to be added—that will maximize the impact of a gift, building early momentum for the April 26 kickoff.

“I am extremely thankful to Rick and Diana for their generosity,” said President Christopher Callahan. “Their match is inspiring and I hope will encourage others to consider the opportunity to multiply their gift. Supporting Pacific Gives will ensure that all of our students have the chance to pursue their dream of higher education, no matter their background.”

The PROMISE Scholars program gave Christiana Kendrick ’22, a senior at Pacific, the resources she needed when she had nowhere to turn her sophomore year.

“They really came through at a time when I needed financial help,” said Kendrick, who had no place to live during university breaks at the time.

“I reached out and PROMISE Scholars gladly took me in as one of their students. Sharing my story also helps others see that everyone has a different background, and this support is going to a good person and to a better future.” 

Scott Biedermann ’05, ’20, vice president for development and alumni relations, says gifts at any level can have a positive effect on students. “Pacific Gives illustrates the tremendous power of our collective support and participation," Biedermann said.

Only 10 donors are needed for the CEOS of Color in Residence Challenge to unlock an additional $1,000 for the fund. The program was established in the Eberhardt School of Business in fall 2021 to bring leaders of color to Pacific to share their expertise with students, faculty and the community.

An additional $100,000 can be unlocked with the Champion of the Liberal Arts Challenge if 250 donors support any College of the Pacific program for Pacific Gives. The money will support scholarships for College of the Pacific students from Professor Emeritus David Sparkman.

Pacific Athletics will have some friendly competition among its teams with the Athletic Director Challenge. The top three athletics teams with the most donors each earn $1,000.

Pacific Gives is looking to exceed its record-breaking 2021 success. More than 1,500 faculty, staff, student, alumni and community supporters stepped up to raise $1.2 million, including 100 percent participation from the Board of Regents, cabinet members, deans and several other groups.