UC Davis alumnus and real estate developer Bruce Edwards pledged $2 million to the school’s athletic department – the largest single philanthropic contribution to athletics in the university’s 102-year history.
The donation was made to support Aggie Stadium. The gift may be used to build a sports medicine facility on site, as well as a strength-and-conditioning room for student-athletes. The money could also be used to aid expansion of the stadium to seat 20,000 spectators.
Edwards, who has a clubroom at Aggie Stadium named after him, said in a press release that he made the decision because of the joy and enrichment athletics brought him while he was a student.
“The memories I created while playing sports are the most vivid of my college years,” Edwards said.
Athletic director Greg Warzecka said the donation could do wonders for the athletic department.
“This is a gift that can forge a new future for us by improving upon an already beautiful stadium,” Warzecka said in a press release. “The athletics department is so appreciative of the leadership and generosity shown by Bruce and Diane Edwards.”
The Edwards family also gives to the College of Letters and Science and the UC Davis Annual Fund. The $2 million donation to athletics is an irrevocable planned gift.
– Jason Alpert
