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.
University President Ronald L. Ellis, “We’re just incredibly thankful to the Fowlers for their generosity.”
Dale Fowler, a real estate developer and Orange County native, said in a news release, “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. 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 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.
Ellis said, “When you get a gift of this magnitude, you want to honor those who have (given it).”
The donation is not designated for a particular use. The Fowlers’ previous donations to California Baptist University have supported scholarships and the Endurance Fund.