SDSU Announces Donors

San Diego State University announced today that it received recent gifts of $1.6 million, including:   

• $500,000 from Sharp Healthcare to fund scholarships in Sharp's Professional Education and Research Institute.
• $500,000 from Irwin Zahn, chairman of Autosplice, a Sorrento Mesa manufacturer.
• $300,000 given anonymously for scholarships in the Guardian Scholars program, to assist youths exiting foster care.
• $100,000 from civic and business leader Steve Cushman.
• $100,000 from U.S. ambassador Charles Hostler and his wife, Chin-Yeh.
• $100,000 from new SDSU President Eliott Hirshman and his wife, Jeri.

 
Hirshman said the campaign is for students, and those of diverse backgrounds, with financial challenges, and who have special artistic, academic and athletic gifts. He also said the money would go to faculty and staff.

Hirshman's $400,000 annual salary came under scrutiny when he took over in July for Stephen Weber, who made made around $300,000.

The compensation was approved by the California State University Board of Trustees despite opposition from Gov. Jerry Brown and Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who sits as a trustee.

City News Service contributed to this report.