News Summary
Three universities—George Mason University, Creighton University, and the University of San Diego—have received transformative donations totaling $40 million. These contributions will enhance educational opportunities, expand scholarships, and support military-connected student centers. George Mason secured a $20 million donation to rename its School of Computing, while Creighton and USD received substantial funds aimed at improving student success and support for military students. Collectively, these donations highlight a commitment to education and provide essential resources for students in need.
Fairfax, Virginia
Major donations totaling $40 million have recently transformed educational opportunities at three universities: George Mason University, Creighton University, and the University of San Diego. These contributions are aimed at enhancing student success, expanding scholarship offerings, and supporting specialized centers for military-connected students.
George Mason University Receives Significant Donation
George Mason University (GMU) has received a $20 million donation from the Kimmy Duong Foundation. This substantial gift is expected to have a total impact of up to $36 million through matching funds from Virginia’s Tech Talent Investment Program. In recognition of this generosity, GMU’s School of Computing will be renamed the Long Nguyen and Kimmy Duong School of Computing.
Endowments Established
The donation will establish three endowments aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for students at GMU. Two of these endowments will focus on providing scholarships and supporting student success initiatives within GMU’s College of Engineering and Computing. The third endowment, titled the Long Nguyen and Kimmy Duong Scholarship Endowment, will prioritize scholarships for students majoring in nursing, education, or journalism.
Impact on Students
George Mason University President Gregory Washington noted the significance of this donation, highlighting the opportunities it will create for students, particularly those facing challenging circumstances.
A Legacy of Giving
Kimmy Duong, who fled Vietnam following the fall of Saigon in 1975 with only $30, has since built a successful career at prominent companies such as IBM and Pragmatics Inc. The Duongs are no strangers to philanthropy, having previously donated $5 million to GMU in 2009 for the establishment of the Nguyen Engineering Building, further demonstrating their commitment to education and community.
Creighton University Welcomes Large Bequest
On April 22, Creighton University announced a $10 million bequest from alumnus Elno Zikmund and his wife, Tillie. This donation is characterized as one of the largest contributions for unrestricted scholarships, which will benefit a diverse range of students across various fields and income levels.
Continuing Support for Education
The Zikmund scholarship, which was established in 2010, continues to support students in attending Creighton University. This latest bequest will enhance the university’s ability to offer financial assistance to those in need.
University of San Diego Receives Matching Donation
On May 1, the University of San Diego (USD) was awarded a $10 million donation from Dan and Phyllis Epstein. This contribution will support the new Epstein Family Foundation Military-Connected Center for Excellence, which aims to provide additional resources for students with military backgrounds.
Challenge for Additional Funds
The Epstein donation is structured as a challenge to raise an additional $10 million in matching donations for the Center, emphasizing the Epsteins’ commitment to supporting military-connected students. Dan Epstein, founder and executive chairman of ConAm Group, recognizes the importance of providing essential resources to this demographic.
A Long-standing Support
The Epsteins have a history of supporting USD through contributions to various programs and initiatives, solidifying their commitment to enhancing educational opportunities at the university.
Conclusion
These donations, totaling $40 million, reflect a growing commitment to supporting education at George Mason University, Creighton University, and the University of San Diego. With resources dedicated to scholarships, student success initiatives, and specialized centers, the impact of these contributions will be felt by countless students in the years to come.
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Additional Resources
- Northern Virginia Magazine: George Mason University Renames Its School of Computing
- Forbes: George Mason, Creighton, and San Diego Receive Major Naming Gifts
- WTOP: Kimmy Duong Foundation Donates $20M to George Mason University
- Encyclopedia Britannica: George Mason University
- New York Times: Koch Donors and George Mason University
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
