Thanks to the generosity of over 700 donors, the UC Davis College of Biological Sciences set a new fundraising record during the 2019-2020 fiscal year, raising more than $11.5 million.

“It’s been another banner fundraising year for UC Davis and the College of Biological Sciences,” said College of Biological Sciences Dean Mark Winey. “These philanthropic funds allow us to continue supporting our students in numerous ways and to continue performing high-quality, innovative research that paves the way for tomorrow.”

This year’s total in fundraising dollars was bolstered by a number of significant gifts.

The Genentech Foundation donated $2.5 million, setting a new record for largest single gift in college history. The funds will launch AvenueB, a program providing financial support and preparatory programs for biology students transferring to UC Davis from community colleges.

Additionally, the Koret Foundation donated $1.75 million to expand the college’s BioLaunch program, which aims to ease the transition to college life for freshmen and transfer students.

“Students are the big winners this year,” said Shari Kawelo, the college’s executive director of development and external relations. “Every incoming student in fall 2020 will be supported by the BioLaunch and AvenueB programs.”

The fundraising total was also impacted by the heartwarming support of 244 gifts totaling over $427,000 during UC Davis Give Day 2020.

The college also received its largest single gift from one of its alumni. Alys Hay ’75 donated $2 million to create a college-wide endowed chair to advance gender equity.

“Our donors deserve all our thanks,” said Kawelo. “We are deeply humbled by the overwhelming support we received this year—a year with unprecedented challenges and uncertainty. We couldn’t be more grateful.”

“The College of Biological Sciences is worthy of investment,” added alum Deborah Neff ‘76, who is chair of the college’s Campaign Leadership Council. "It is more than just the check you write. It is about advancing research and education, but most of all, it is about impacting the lives of students who will lead the way of the future.”

The college's fundraising accomplishments dovetail with the university's record-breaking fundraising year. In total, the university raised $252.9 million from 30,520 donors.