News Summary
In a remarkable display of generosity, three universities recently announced multimillion-dollar donations aimed at bolstering educational programs. George Mason University received a $20 million gift, Creighton University secured a $10 million bequest, and the University of San Diego announced a $10 million donation, all targeting student success and enhanced opportunities. These contributions highlight a commitment to supporting diverse educational initiatives and military-connected students, as well as increasing access to higher education for various academic backgrounds.
Fairfax, Virginia – In an unprecedented wave of philanthropic support, three universities have collectively secured multimillion-dollar donations to enhance their educational programs and opportunities for students. This past week, George Mason University, Creighton University, and the University of San Diego announced significant contributions that will transform their respective educational landscapes.
George Mason University received a $20 million donation from the Kimmy Duong Foundation, which may be eligible for matching funds from Virginia’s Tech Talent Investment Program, potentially raising the total impact to $36 million. In recognition of this substantial gift, the university’s Board of Visitors voted to rename the School of Computing to the Long Nguyen and Kimmy Duong School of Computing. The donation will establish three endowments at George Mason. Two of these endowments will provide scholarships and support student success initiatives in the College of Engineering, while the third will fund scholarships through the Long Nguyen and Kimmy Duong Scholarship Endowment, favoring students majoring in nursing, education, or journalism.
In Omaha, Nebraska, Creighton University announced a $10 million bequest from alumnus Elno Zikmund and his wife, Tillie. This contribution marks one of the largest donations aimed specifically at unrestricted scholarships at the university. The Zikmunds previously established the Elno T. and Mathilda M. Zikmund Endowed Scholarship in 2010, designed to support students in various fields.
Meanwhile, the University of San Diego revealed a $10 million donation from Dan and Phyllis Epstein, facilitated through the Epstein Family Foundation. This funding is intended to support the new Military-Connected Center for Excellence at USD. The Epstein donation comes with a challenge to raise an additional $10 million in matching donations to further benefit military-connected students. Dan Epstein is recognized as the executive chairman and founder of ConAm Group, a leading apartment management and ownership firm in the U.S. The Epstein family has a significant history of supporting the University of San Diego, contributing to various programs aimed at assisting military-connected students and advancing real estate initiatives.
The Impact of Philanthropy on Higher Education
The recent donations signify a robust commitment to enhancing educational opportunities at these institutions. George Mason University’s President Gregory Washington emphasized the inspiring impact of Kimmy Duong and Long Nguyen, whose journeys reflect a dedication to empowering students through education. Kimmy Duong’s career began in Vietnam, where she earned degrees in economics and law before advancing to a successful career at IBM and later Pragmatics. In 2015, Duong established the Kimmy Duong Foundation, which supports a variety of health, education, and welfare initiatives in both the U.S. and Vietnam. Notably, Duong and Nguyen previously donated $5 million to George Mason in 2009 for the establishment of the Nguyen Engineering Building, showcasing their ongoing commitment to the university.
At Creighton University, the Zikmunds’ bequest is expected to enhance financial aid opportunities and facilitate broader access to higher education, as it provides unrestricted scholarships for students from diverse academic backgrounds. Their long-term support has already contributed significantly to the university’s scholarship programs.
In the case of the University of San Diego, the Epstein family’s generous donation is particularly aimed at benefiting military-connected individuals, highlighting the importance of supporting this unique student demographic as they navigate their educational journeys. The establishment of the Military-Connected Center for Excellence is intended to further solidify the University of San Diego’s commitment to these students.
Conclusion
These significant donations to George Mason University, Creighton University, and the University of San Diego reflect a growing trend of philanthropic investment in higher education. As universities continue to face challenges in funding, the support from individuals and foundations plays a crucial role in ensuring that academic institutions can offer critical resources and opportunities to students, empowering the next generation of leaders in various fields.
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Additional Resources
- Northern Virginia Magazine
- Forbes
- George Mason Athletics
- New York Times
- Virginia Mercury
- Wikipedia: Philanthropy in Higher Education
- Google Search: philanthropic donations to universities
- Google Scholar: impact of philanthropy on higher education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Philanthropy
- Google News: college donations
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.
