UC Merced has received a $38 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, marking the largest single gift in the university’s history. This surpasses the previous record set by Scott’s $21 million donation to UC Merced in 2021.
Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz commented on the significance of the contribution, stating, “This remarkable act of generosity affirms what we know to be true — UC Merced is changing lives, uplifting families, and reshaping what is possible for California and beyond. We are profoundly grateful for Ms. Scott’s continued trust in our mission and for her belief in our faculty, students and the extraordinary promise of higher education.”
The university said that the funds will be used to accelerate programs focused on increasing access and opportunity at UC Merced.
Scott is recognized as one of the world’s wealthiest individuals. She was previously married to Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon and owner of The Washington Post.
The new donation will support UC Merced’s Boldly Forward fundraising campaign, which aims to raise $200 million by June 30, 2030.
According to Forbes, Scott’s donations to colleges and other higher education organizations have exceeded $1 billion this year. Other institutions have also benefited from her philanthropy; for example, Cal State East Bay recently announced a $50 million gift.
