Costco CEO Creates Endowed Scholarship in SDSU's College of Education
SDSU alum Jim Sinegal surprises wife with scholarship in her name
“I couldn’t think of a better way to honor my wife,” said Sinegal. “As SDSU alumni, we’re both proud of the education we received and want to make sure that other individuals have the same experience. It is important to us to continue to give this gift to students who otherwise might not have the opportunity to complete their teaching credentials.”
Sinegal made the contribution an endowment to ensure the scholarship would be available for generations of students to come. He increased his original pledge of $150,000 to give the university a gift of almost $300,000.
In 2003, Jim and Janet Sinegal pledged $250,000 to create the Jim and Janet Scholarship to support students working on their teaching credential. The Sinegals continued the scholarship in 2008 with a new pledge of $250,000 over five years.
Twenty to 25 Sinegal scholarships in the amount of $2,000–$2,500 are awarded each year to students enrolled in a basic teacher credential program at SDSU. Candidates are selected based on academic performance and financial need. To date, the Jim and Janet Sinegal Scholarship has provided funding for 146 students.
Jim Sinegal graduated from SDSU’s College of Business Administration in 1959 and received an honorary doctorate in 1999. During his days at SDSU, Sinegal worked as a warehouseman and shipping clerk for Sol Price’s Fed-Mart. In 1976, Sol Price founded Price Club, and two years later Sinegal rose to the position of executive vice president. In 1983, Sinegal co-founded Costco with Jeffrey Brotman, and ten years later, Costco merged with Sinegal’s former employer. Sinegal was named one of the 100 most influential people by Time magazine in 2006 and ranked #9 on Forbes magazine’s annual CEO list in 2005.
Janet Sinegal graduated from SDSU’s College of Business Administration in 1962 and received her teaching credential from SDSU in 1963. As a teacher and philanthropist, she is active in the field of education and a variety of educational causes. Sinegal’s endeavors include support for The Foundation for Early Learning, MENTOR, and many other organizations focusing on the health and well being of children. Both Jim and Janet are also Montys award recipients, an annual award given to distinguished SDSU alumni.
About San Diego State University
San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, the university has grown to offer bachelor's degrees in 81 areas, master's degrees in 74 areas and doctorates in 16 areas. SDSU's approximately 34,000 students participate in an academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information, visit www.sdsu.edu.
