by Greg MacDonald
Editor in Chief
In a huge step to reach its $21 million “Campaign for La Verne,” the University of La Verne was given its largest gift, $3.2 million, ever to be donated in university history.
James Long, chairman of the Board of Trustees, University of La Verne and Campaign Chair Larry Rinehart, president and CEO of PFF Bank and Trust made the announcement for Richard Landis (’42) and his wife, Beth (’45), whose gift is through a charitable trust benefiting ULV.
With the multimillion dollar gift, the Campaign for La Verne has reached 74 percent ($16 million) of its goal.
“It is extraordinary that we have received this level of gifts and pledges prior to our public announcement,” Long said.
“We have known all along that the realistic, urgent needs far excess our original campaign goal, and we can now begin to dream about addressing needs that were only barely hinted at in the original campaign goal.”
Beginning on July 1, 1996, the drive for $21 million by the 21st century is raising money for scholarships, financial aid and capital and special projects.
After his career with Del Monte Corporation began when he was 15, Richard Landis, in 1978, was named Chairman of the Board. He served as president until he retired in 1983.
In 1984, ULV did not have a president, so Richard Landis offered his services as chancellor. The Landises had a major role in beginning the Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) program, when they established the John W. Landis, Sr. Scholarship.
Richard Landis was named Alumnus of the Year in 1979 and received an Honorary Doctorate in 1981.
Journalism operations manager at the University of La Verne. Production manager and business manager of the Campus Times.
