Pacific Union College officials said Wednesday that the school in the Angwin area of Napa County has received the largest single private gift in its 132-year history, a $2.4 million testamentary gift from the late Stephen Ball.
The gift from Ball, a 20-year Napa Valley resident, is for unrestricted support of the Seventh-Day Adventist Christian liberal arts college's mission, school officials said.
"Stephen Ball understood the mission and the impact that Pacific Union College has had throughout its history, and we're honored to receive this gift at a time when our college is on a historic upward trajectory.
This gift is truly a blessing for our campus community," Pacific Union College president Dr. Heather Knight said in a statement.
Ball was born in Berkeley in 1944 and moved to Napa Valley in 1994. He lived in St. Helena until his death in April.
Pacific Union College is planning a major philanthropic campaign, the Heritage Campaign, which will include projects to support its long-term vision and mission.
Susan Baxter, Ball's long-time friend, said he was generous and appreciated people who made a difference in the community.
"Pacific Union College is such an asset to the Napa Valley community, and Stephen wanted to support the mission of the college," Baxter said.
--Bay City News
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