California Baptist University (CBU) in Riverside has announced a $28.9 million gift from real estate developer Dale E. Fowler and his wife, Sarah Ann. 

In recognition of the largest gift in the university’s 73-year history, the 5,050-seat campus events center will be named after the Fowlers. The couple’s previous gifts to CBU supported general and endowed scholarships as well as the Endurance Fund, which was created to help the university through the pandemic.

The Fowlers were introduced to CBU by their friends Billie Yeager and her late husband, Gene, who were early and significant supporters of CBU. The Fowlers also have two grandchildren who graduated from CBU.

“We are extremely thankful to Dale and Ann for their generosity and support,” said CBU president Ronald L. Ellis. “This gift will be instrumental in our ability to continue delivering upon our mission to help students live God’s purpose in their lives. The Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler Events Center will be a reminder of how their generosity will impact CBU for generations to come.” 

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Anchiy)