Fresno developer Ed Kashian was awarded the UC Merced Chancellor’s Medal last week in recognition for his generosity to the university.
UC Merced presented Kashian with the award at its State of the University event on Oct. 9.
Driving the news: Kashian has been a longtime supporter of UC Merced and has served as a founding member of the UC Merced Foundation Board of Trustees.
- Kashian and his wife Jeanne recently gave UC Merced a $5 million donation for the new Medical Education Building, which is scheduled to open in the fall of 2026. The new facility will feature the Ed and Jeanne Kashian Atrium as one of its most prominent community spaces.
- The Leo Dottie Kolligian Library also features the Ed and Jeanne Kashian Main Floor.
- The award is only the 21st in UC Merced history to be awarded. Previous recipients include former California Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante and First Lady Michelle Obama.
What they’re saying: “I simply want to say I am very proud of the service you have all given to the people of the Valley,” Kashian said. “Your work has already significantly impacted the lives of everyone here, and I want to take this opportunity to commend all of you in this wonderful school.”
- He added that the new Medical Education Building will increase healthcare access for people in the Central Valley and will make generational change.
- “I am delighted to bestow this year’s Chancellor’s Medal to a deeply respected community leader who has been utterly instrumental to the growth of our university since its very earliest days,” said Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz. “Please join me in thanking Mr. Kashian for his leadership, his generosity, his stewardship and his unwavering commitment.”
