A gala event is underway to honor the university's president, John Welty, who is retiring this summer. Many people arrived at the Save Mart Center for the event to celebrate the accomplished career of president Welty.
In the news conference, it was announced that Campaign Fresno State reached and surpassed their goal with over $214 million for the university. This was the first comprehensive fundraising effort.
The campaign began in 2005 with the goal of $200 million, and Welty said efforts such as this will greatly benefit Fresno State, especially with shrinking funds from Sacramento.
Welty said, "There's no question, the future is dependent upon private support and this campaign demonstrates there's tremendous support for the university with over 34,000 individuals and organizations that donated to the campaign and made an investment for the university."
Welty said Fresno State's future is very bright with that kind of support, including the community, Fresno State alumni, and others.
Certain programs have been expanded considerably because of those generous donations including the agriculture and engineering programs.
Welty said the fundraising will benefit just about every program and department on the Fresno State campus.
Welty will retire in the summer of 2013, and there will be a public event held on the campus in June.
