Stan State's 'Day of Giving' Returns for 2026

The university community rallies to raise over $500,000 for student scholarships and programs.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:35am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring repeating icons of academic items like textbooks, graduation caps, and mortar boards, representing the educational focus of Stanislaus State's annual fundraising drive.Stanislaus State's annual '1960 Minutes of Giving' campaign celebrates the university's commitment to student success and community engagement through creative fundraising initiatives.Turlock Today

Stanislaus State University is hosting its second annual '1960 Minutes of Giving' fundraising campaign, aiming to surpass the $542,172 raised in 2025 through a series of events and challenges across its Turlock and Stockton campuses. The 1,960-minute campaign will feature activities like lawn games, donation drives, workshops, and a grad fair to engage students, alumni, and the public in supporting student scholarships, new programs, and other life-changing opportunities.

Why it matters

The 1960 Minutes of Giving campaign reflects Stanislaus State's growing culture of philanthropy and deep connection to the Central Valley region it serves. The funds raised will have a significant impact on student success, retention, and workforce development in the local community.

The details

This year's 1960 Minutes of Giving campaign kicks off on Wednesday with events on both the Turlock and Stockton campuses, including lawn games, donation drives, workshops, and a grad fair. Major gifts in 2025 included $200,000 from HealthForce Partners Northern San Joaquin Valley to expand health graduate scholarships, and $137,500 to launch the new Pathways to Student Success program. Participation challenges, matching gifts, and creative fundraising activities like a math-themed tattoo helped drive engagement and boost donations across colleges, programs, athletic teams, and alumni groups.

  • The 1960 Minutes of Giving campaign runs for 1,960 minutes (approximately 32.5 hours) starting at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.
  • Kickoff events will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday in the Turlock University Quad.
  • A laser engraving keychain workshop will be held from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday at the Warrior FabLab on the Turlock campus.
  • A mini book nook workshop will be held from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday in Room 1049 on the Stockton campus.
  • A rock painting event will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday in front of Acacia on the Stockton campus.

The players

HealthForce Partners Northern San Joaquin Valley

A regional organization that contributed $200,000 to expand the Health Graduate Degree Educational Expenses Scholarship Fund and $75,000 specifically for nursing students in Stockton and San Joaquin County.

Cesar Ochoa

A Stanislaus State alumnus who expressed gratitude for the impact the university has had on three generations of his family.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“What I'm grateful for from Stan State is the three generations of my family that have been educated here. I see the impact that we have on our community, in our state and this world.”

— Cesar Ochoa, Stanislaus State Alumnus

What’s next

The university will continue to promote the 1960 Minutes of Giving campaign and engage the community in supporting student success initiatives through the end of the 32.5-hour fundraising drive on Thursday.

The takeaway

Stanislaus State's annual 1960 Minutes of Giving campaign has become a powerful symbol of the university's deep ties to the Central Valley and its commitment to expanding access, opportunity, and student support through community-driven philanthropy.