The Campos Foundation, one of UC Merced’s most dedicated supporters and partners, has made a $5 million gift for the development of a new state-of-the-art campus facility dedicated to track and field. The university shared plans to name the facility Campos Field in recognition of the foundation’s transformative contribution.
The announcement to name the field was made during halftime of the women’s soccer team season opener Sept.5. The celebratory and symbolic moment also marked the Bobcats’ first time competing in NCAA Division II.
The foundation’s philanthropic commitment will establish a scholarship endowment for both STEM students and STEM scholar-athletes. This fund will provide vital financial support to students who are pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and competing in collegiate athletics, reflecting the donor’s mission to advance access to higher education and ensure that students have the resources to excel both in the classroom and on the field.
A lifelong advocate for student wellness and personal development, Marco Campos – founder, executive chairman and chief culture officer of Campos Companies – credits his own athletic experiences with helping to shape his character and future success.
“Athletics taught me resilience, discipline, leadership and the importance of working as a team,” he said. “These are the characteristics we hope to help support and cultivate in generations of UC Merced scholar-athletes.”
The $5 million gift strengthens the university’s ability to enhance its athletics infrastructure, supporting scholar-athlete recruitment and expanded programming. It also lays the groundwork for broader civic engagement by creating a vibrant space where regional and state audiences can gather in support of intercollegiate sports and student achievement.
Campos Field will be a core component of UC Merced’s future athletics complex. As a central hub for athletic events, the space will draw students, faculty, staff and community members together to root for the Bobcats as a point of regional pride.
The Campos Foundation is financially supported in whole by Campos Companies, a portfolio of energy infrastructure companies focused on engineering, construction and fabrication throughout North America. Campos Companies donates one percent of its revenues to supporting underrepresented communities in STEM through the Campos Foundation.
“The Campos Foundation’s mission is to elevate underrepresented minority and female students through STEM education initiatives, and we are delighted to partner with UC Merced in supporting future generations of scientific and engineering leaders as well as promising scholar-athletes,” said Campos Foundation President Deanna Campos-Miller.
“Thanks to this generous gift, UC Merced is better positioned to support the holistic well-being of our scholar-athletes while also strengthening ties with our community and region,” said Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz. “The Campos Foundation’s ongoing commitment and investment in our university will benefit countless students and inspire a new era of competitive and academic excellence – and we could not be more grateful for their enduring support and partnership.”
The gift from the Campos Foundation joins philanthropic milestones advancing Boldly Forward: The Campaign for UC Merced. Boldly Forward aims to raise $200 million for campus support by 2030, with gifts and pledges received since the campaign’s launch totaling $117.4 million.
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