University Project Gets Boost
An Oxnard man who donated $2 million last year to help Cal Lutheran University build a new athletic complex on its north campus has raised his pledge by $1 million.
John B. Gilbert, founder of the TOLD Corp. construction firm, offered to match up to $1 million in additional donations toward the Thousand Oaks university’s “Now is the Time” fund-raising campaign, which is about $12 million short of its $80-million goal.
Following Gilbert’s earlier donation, university officials decided to name a gymnasium the Jack Gilbert Arena in the planned $18-million Sports and Fitness Center, which will include a main gym, practice gym, classrooms and labs, fitness center, dance studio, sports medicine facility and offices for faculty members and coaches.
Gilbert announced his latest donation last week in Santa Barbara while being honored as Philanthropist of the Year by the regional chapter of the Assn. of Fundraising Professionals.
The 82-year-old entrepreneur moved to Ventura County 30 years ago and founded the Thousand Oaks Land and Development Corp., which became TOLD Corp.
A supporter of the university since 1985, Gilbert was a Cal Lutheran University regent from 1994 to 1997.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
