The value of time and money

Contributions — February 16, 2012

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Bill and Janice Lemann (far left and far right) stand with CSUSB College of Arts and Letters Dean Eri Yasuhara at a university art museum event last year. Among the Lemanns’ many contributions to CSUSB has been Janice’s role as president of RAFFMA’s Advisory Board.

More or less, philanthropy is much about the numbers. That’s why late last year the Association of Fundraising Professionals Inland Empire Chapter named longtime Cal State San Bernardino supporters Janice and Bill Lemann the National Philanthropy Day Outstanding Philanthropists of the Year. It was a great honor for the Lemanns.

But how do you measure the value of volunteerism?

Bill Lemann was among CSUSB’s first volunteers and supporters with his leadership on the Pfau Library Associates board in the 1980s. Today, he serves on the university’s Foundation Board of Directors. His wife, Janice, recently chaired the board for the Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art at Cal State San Bernardino.

Over the years, the Lemanns’ contributions to CSUSB have exceeded many thousands of dollars. But their influence and inspiration have worked to bring millions in needed funds to the university.

“Bill has a remarkable ability to inspire others to join his philanthropic causes. As an attorney, he assists many people in their estate planning, and encourages them to include charity in their plans. This has translated into millions of dollars for various causes over the years, including several million dollars for CSUSB alone,” said Cindi Pringle, CSUSB associate vice president for university development. “Bill and Janice have a long history as champions for progress in our community. They share a genuine concern and deep passion for change, as evidenced by their support for health issues, education, youth, historic building restoration and parks.”

Janice, a local dentist and artist, focuses much of her philanthropic energy on cultural arts, a love they both share. Among their recent gifts to CSUSB was the establishment of a scholarship endowment for art students. Gifts over the years have supported Coyote Athletics and the university’s first capital campaign, Partnership 2000.

In addition to their support for CSUSB, the Lemanns also contribute to St. Bernardine Medical Center, Aquinas High School, Catholic Charities, Legal Aid, Salvation Army and the Humane Society.

“Clearly they believe in the value that nonprofit organizations add to the quality of life in the region and they lead by example through the contribution of their time, expertise and resources,” Pringle said.

Past winners of the Philanthropist of the Year Award with ties to Cal State San Bernardino include Glenda Bayless in 2009 and the James Ramos family in 2008.