SAN JOSE, Calif. — San José State Athletics announced today a transformational multimillion-dollar estate gift commitment from longtime Spartan supporters Diane and Chris Gordon. The commitment represents the largest estate gift in San José State history, creating an enduring legacy that will provide transformative support for generations of Spartan student-athletes.
The future gift, made through the Gordons’ estate plans, will support women’s athletics at SJSU, with half of the commitment designated for the women’s golf program and the remaining half dedicated to enhancing opportunities for Spartan women’s sports.
“Diane and Chris Gordon’s extraordinary commitment will create opportunities for generations of Spartan women to compete, lead and succeed,” said SJSU Director of Athletics Jeff Konya. “As the national landscape of college athletics continues to evolve, investments like this are essential to positioning SJSU to compete at the highest level.”
The Gordons have been steadfast supporters of San José State Athletics for many years, investing in the success of Spartan student-athletes while serving as passionate fans and longtime premium football season ticket holders.
“We have always believed in the power of athletics to change lives and create opportunities,” said Diane and Chris Gordon. “San José State and its student-athletes have meant so much to us over the years, and we are proud to make this commitment to support future generations of Spartans. Women’s golf has achieved remarkable success on the national stage under the leadership of head coach Dana Dormann, and we are equally excited to help strengthen opportunities for women competing across all sports at SJSU.”
The gift reflects the Gordons’ longstanding commitment to the women’s golf program, which has established itself among the premier programs in the nation. The Spartans have consistently competed among the country’s elite teams, captured conference championships, earned national tournament appearances, and developed numerous professional golfers while competing successfully against many of the nation’s top programs.
Among the program’s recent success stories are Natasha Andrea Oon, who currently competes on the LPGA Tour, and Kajsa Arwefjäll, who plays professionally on the Ladies European Tour and made the cut at a pair of major championships on the LPGA Tour, The Amundi Evian Championship (T41) and the AIG Women’s Open (T58). The Gordons’ estate commitment will help ensure that future generations of Spartan golfers have the resources and opportunities to compete at the highest levels while receiving a world-class student-athlete experience.
“This historic commitment from Diane and Chris represents a powerful investment in the future of Spartan Athletics,” said Scott MacDonald, Senior Deputy AD at SJSU. “Their generosity over the years has been incredible, but even more meaningful is how deeply invested they have been in our programs, our student-athletes, and their success. The Gordons are tremendous champions of San José State, and their legacy will positively impact Spartans for generations to come.”
In addition to elevating women’s golf, the portion of the estate commitment designated broadly for women’s athletics will provide flexibility to address the evolving needs of Spartan women’s sports programs, helping student-athletes excel academically, athletically, and in the community. Their generosity continues a legacy of philanthropic leadership that has helped strengthen San José State Athletics and position Spartan student-athletes for success in competition, in the classroom, and beyond.
“Chris and Diane’s commitment to our student-athletes and their vision for the future of women’s athletics at San José State will have a profound impact for many years to come,” said Dormann, SJSU women’s golf head coach. “They deeply care about SJSU and what we are building here, and it shows through their love and support. I am so thankful for both of them and for the mentorship they have provided to our young women.”
“As the largest estate gift in San José State University’s history, this extraordinary commitment from Diane and Chris Gordon represents a milestone for our university and for Spartan Athletics,” said Judy Nagai, Ph.D., Vice President for University Advancement and CEO of the Tower Foundation. “Their generosity reflects the growing momentum behind our efforts to provide transformational opportunities for Spartan student-athletes. More importantly, it creates a lasting legacy that will strengthen women’s athletics and positively impact generations of Spartans.”
Fans, alumni, and supporters can join the Gordons in investing in the future of SJSU Athletics by making a gift to support Spartan student-athletes. Every contribution helps San José State Athletics continue to build champions academically, in competition, and in the community. To make your gift today, click here.
#AllSpartans