October 23, 2019—Dan and Cindy Phillips have made a gift of $250,000 to support Fortuna High School graduates who attend Humboldt State University.
The Dan & Cindy Phillips Fortuna Scholarship is for Fortuna High School graduates who enroll at HSU either as transfer students from College of the Redwoods or as first-time freshmen. The funds will support students enrolling over the next two years beginning in Fall 2020.
Each scholarship will be for up to $4,000. Graduates who enroll as freshmen at HSU will receive $1,000 per year, up to four years. Those who attend College of the Redwoods and transfer to HSU will receive $2,000 per year, up to two years.
A portion of the funding will also provide start-up support for a peer mentoring program, which is in development.
Dan Phillips grew up in Bridgeville and is now the Chief Technology Officer at Hulu. He attended Bridgeville Elementary, and then graduated from Fortuna High School, College of the Redwoods, and Humboldt State University, where he majored in Business and Computer Information Systems.
"There are many great causes in need of resources and support. But I believe that there is no greater cause than investing in our youth," Phillips said. "When you motivate and educate our youth, the impact goes beyond the child to lift the family, the community, and even our nation.
"My hope in this contribution to the school and community that l love, is that it is just the start in making a difference and that it inspires others to invest in the young people of Fortuna High and across the county."
Earlier this year, Phillips visited students at his former schools to share his professional and personal experiences, and to encourage them to think about college. He met with students at Bridgeville Elementary and Fortuna High, and then spoke at a large community event.
"The incredibly generous donation made by Dan and Cindy will help remove a key barrier to students enrolling in and completing college," said Fortuna High School Principal Clint Duey. "Fortuna High and the surrounding community are very grateful for the continued support of Fortuna High Students. We hope that this generous gift will inspire graduates of our school to complete college and later give back to the local community that has supported them along the way."
To learn more about giving opportunities and philanthropy at Humboldt State University, visit giving.humboldt.edu, or contact the HSU Foundation at 707.826.5200 or giving@humboldt.edu.
About the Humboldt State University Foundation
The Humboldt State University Foundation oversees the endowment and other charitable funds that support HSU. The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors dedicated to building support for the University across a variety of constituencies. The Foundation is a dedicated auxiliary of The California State University and a 501©(3) California nonprofit corporation.