SDSU gets $15M gift for Mission Valley stadium from local philanthropist
SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – San Diego State University Thursday announced its receipt of a $15 million donation from well-known local philanthropist Dianne Bashor toward construction of a new stadium as part of SDSU’s planned expansion into Mission Valley.
The monetary commitment provides a lead gift for the stadium, the first facility slated for construction at the university’s proposed new campus and community river park at the current site of SDCCU Stadium, the one-time home of the San Diego Chargers and Padres.
In recognition of the donation, SDSU will name the playing grounds at the new arena, “Bashor Field.”
“This is an extraordinary gift and an important investment in the future of SDSU,” university President Adela de la Torre said while announcing the donation during a late-afternoon news conference at SDSU Fowler Family Ballroom. “We thank Mrs. Bashor for her commitment to our university and for her continuing dedication to the community we serve.”
Adrienne Vargas, SDSU interim vice president for university relations and development, praised Bashor as a longtime benefactress who “believes in San Diego State University’s vision and its dedication to academic excellence that places student success at the core of its mission.”
“SDSU is fortunate to have a generous friend in Mrs. Dianne Bashor, and her gift is a reaffirmation that after more than 122 years, this university continues to earn widespread support,” Vargas said.
Bashor — who, along with her late husband, businessman Jim Bashor, is known for bequeathing significant gifts to such institutions as the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Imperial Council and the Boy Scouts of America — described her university donation as “a commitment to not only a great university, but (also to) the San Diego community.”
Last month, the City Council unanimously voted to move forward with San Diego State University’s offer of $86.2 million to purchase and redevelop the SDCCU Stadium site, directing the city’s negotiators to continue drafting a formal transaction document with the goal of approving it by January and closing escrow by the end of March.
