SJSU News Archive
Date: 05/04/2007
Largest single gift ever received for a college of education in California State University System
Pat Lopes Harris (408-924-1748)
Nancy L. Stake (408-924-1166)
SAN JOSE, Calif., -- Today, on the occasion of its Founders' Day celebration at San José City Hall, San José State University announced that prominent Bay Area philanthropist and staunch supporter of education Connie L. Lurie has contributed $10 million to the university's College of Education. This is the largest individual gift ever given to a college of education in the history of the 23-campus California State University system.
The gift for the College of Education will be used to establish endowments and create new programs for student and faculty development, including key strategic initiatives such as launching the university's first-ever independent doctoral program in educational leadership for K-12 administrators.
In honor of this gift, SJSU will request to officially name the college -- the Connie L. Lurie College of Education -- at the California State University Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, May 15.
"While a long-time supporter of San José State, it is especially significant that Connie Lurie has come forward during the university's sesquicentennial anniversary to make this exceptionally generous gift," said SJSU President Don W. Kassing. "We are proud of our rich heritage dating back to 1857 when the university was first established as a public institution to train teachers. Lurie's gift is an investment and commitment to the university's future. Her generosity will not only enhance the reputation and visibility of the College of Education, it will help us advance the university's overall educational mission."
Born in San José and educated in K-12 schools in Campbell, Lurie is a 1964 graduate of SJSU with a bachelor's degree in elementary education and psychology. After graduation, she taught for six years in elementary schools on the Monterey Peninsula. She has supported numerous programs at San José State University, including a permanent endowment for SJSU's Lurie Author-in Residence Program, which brings nationally and internationally known authors to campus; and creating the CME (Connect, Motive and Educate) Society, which assists students who were once foster children. In Southern California, Lurie initiated Spartans in the Desert, an annual two-day event in Palm Desert for alumni and friends of the university. Last year, she was recognized for her commitment to San José State when she received the university's highest honor, the Tower Award.
Lurie is married to Robert Lurie, chairman of San Francisco real estate development firm The Lurie Company, and the former owner of the San Francisco Giants. The Luries are major supporters of many other worthwhile causes, including: The Painted Turtle, Sesame Workshop, San Francisco Zoo, Wildlife Associates, Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, and California State Parks Foundation.
"Connie Lurie has spent a lifetime opening doors for others, whether emancipated foster youth or the thousands of enthralled school children who visit the San Francisco Zoo," said Susan Meyers, dean of the College of Education at SJSU. "Now, with this most generous gift she will open new doors for us in the College of Education. We are grateful for her unprecedented demonstration of support to the college, her commitment to helping San Jos?? State remain a leader in pre-K-16 education, and to ensuring that our students achieve success."
Founded as the first public institution to train teachers in California, San José State University has grown to an educational powerhouse with 30,000 students, 4,000 employees and 134 degree programs. The university sends more teachers -- as well as engineers, business administrators and nurses -- into Silicon Valley than any other four-year, public institution.
San José State is Silicon Valley's largest institution of higher learning with 30,000 students and 4,000 employees. SJSU is part of the California State University system, the nation's largest senior system of higher education. SJSU's 154-acre downtown campus anchors the nation's 10th largest city.