Financial Gift Creates First Endowed Dean Position at SDSU

Thanks to a generous donation from former San Diego Gas and Electric president and CEO Thomas Page, San Diego State University has been able to create its first endowed position for an academic dean. Specifically, the endowment will support the dean of SDSU’s College of Business Administration.

According to Chukuka Enwemeka—provost and vice president for Academic Affairs—the endowment will allow the business college to be more competitive. “This generous gift will enable us to be more competitive in attracting a top-notch candidate as we search for a new dean for the College of Business Administration,” he said in a news release.

The endowment is also a signal that SDSU donors support the university’s academic mission. For the business college, it will help to build long-term strength and financial stability—a necessary endeavor to secure future growth for the school.

As for Page, the endowment isn’t his first gift. In 2014, he donated money to help build the Page Pavilion, which is a suite of meeting and conference rooms within the College of Business. Interestingly enough, Page has made his donations without being an SDSU alumnus. However, that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been connected to the university for years.

During his time with the San Diego Gas and Electric Company, he had the opportunity to hire and work with hundreds of SDSU graduates. It was through that experience that he determined that “SDSU graduates are work-ready,” and that was vital knowledge for him as an employer.

As for his most recent gift, Page said in a statement, “San Diego State and its College of Business are on a positive trajectory with the potential to achieve even greater results and recognition. I hope my gift will be a catalyst for attracting additional endowments.”

regions: San Diego

About the Author