Cal State East Bay gets record $50 million from Mackenzie Scott

California State University, East Bay was given a $50 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, the university said in a statement Thursday.

The gift marks the largest single donation in the school’s history, according to news release from the university.

“This gift is truly transformational,” said university president Cathy Sandeen. It will help us grow, not just now, but into the future. I am tremendously grateful.”

The Hayward-based university did not specify any plans for the money but said it would “strengthen the university’s endowment and long-term capacity.”

CSU East Bay Foundation Board President Evelyn Buchanan credited Sandeen’s leadership for securing the donation.

Scott, a billionaire investor and philanthropist and former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, makes donations through her organization Yield Giving.

“Cal State East Bay — and our hard-working students — are finally getting the recognition and credit they deserve, and in such a big way,” said Sandeen.

Woman arraigned on charges of attempted murder, stalking of San Ramon teenDecember 18, 2025 6:55 am

Awe-inspiring holiday displays light up the night in the Tri-Valley December 18, 2025 6:46 am

Ignoring transfer rules has forever changed high school athletics – and at what cost?December 16, 2025 11:03 am