Robert DeKoven, a former Associated Students president at San Diego State University in the late 1970s, has made a planned gift to support SDSU’s Pride Center and LGBT Studies Program.
The $1 million gift was announced July 11 at SDSU’s Pride Flag Raising Ceremony, an annual campus event. SDSU is the second university in the United States and the first in California to offer a major in LGBT studies.
“Now I have the ability to give students the kind of support I needed. Today we are planting a seed that will grow and grow.”
“I can never repay SDSU for the educational experience I received here,” said DeKoven, a legal writing professor at California Western School of Law and affiliated faculty member in SDSU’s LGBT Studies Program.
The Robert DeKoven Endowment for Leadership, Inclusion and Entrepreneurship will support curricular and co-curricular activities. DeKoven is a long-time supporter of SDSU’s Lavender Graduation, which celebrates the achievements of graduating LGBTQ students.
“Rob’s generous gift is a testament to the persistence of our students, alumni and campus partners who are committed to inclusivity on campus,” said Eric Rivera, vice president for Student Affairs. "Our Pride Center and our university LGBTQ+ initiatives provide opportunities that challenge and support our students' personal growth and development while allowing them to connect with other students and celebrate our differences, making the SDSU experience unique and powerful." Read more via SDGLN