Couple makes $28.5M donation

Campus arena to be named for Dale E. Fowler and Sarah Ann Fowler in recognition of the historical gift

California Baptist University has received the largest gift in its 73 year-history — a $28.5 million contribution from a Southern California couple.

The private Riverside university announced the donation from Dale E. Fowler and Sarah Ann Fowler — and the renaming of the campus’ arena in their honor — on Monday.

“We’re just incredibly thankful to the Fowlers for their generosity,” University President Ronald L. Ellis said Monday.

Dale Fowler, a real estate developer and Orange County native, said in a news release that supporting education is a priority.

“It’s an honor to contribute to a university that makes a lasting impact on the lives of its students and in the areas they go on to work, serve and live,” he said. “CBU is a remarkable Christian institution and we are proud to support the important things happening on campus.”

The Fowlers were introduced to the university by their friends, Billie and Eugene Yeager, who were early supporters of the institution, according to the release. Ellis said the connection between the Fowlers and the university has grown over the years.

Two of the Fowlers’ grandchildren have also graduated from the institution.

The university’s 5,050-seat events center will be named for the Fowlers, who split their time between Southern California and Massachusetts.

“When you get a gift of this magnitude, you want to honor those who have (given it),” Ellis said.

Construction on the events center began in 2015 and was completed in 2017. Events held in the building include Division I basketball

games, chapel services and commencement ceremonies.

“The Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler Events Center will be a reminder of how their generosity will impact CBU for generations to come,” Ellis said in the release.

“Friends like the Fowlers who invest in future generations unlock tremendous opportunities to enhance the student experience and impact student lives,” Paul J. Eldridge, vice president for university advancement, said in the release. “It is exciting to think of the many ways Dale and Ann’s gift will help future students reach their educational goals.”

The donation is not designated for a particular use. The Fowlers’ previous donations to California Baptist University have supported scholarships and the Endurance Fund, which was created to support the university during the coronavirus pandemic, the release states.