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This largest-ever gift to FPU is believed to be the second largest public charitable contribution in Central Valley history, following a $29.4 million gift to the 91��Ƭ State College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology in 2009.  

These scholarships include:

• The Alvina Richter Scholarship Fund, in honor of his mother
• The Elmer R. Richter, Sr. Scholarship Fund, in honor of his father
• The King J. Richter Scholarship   
   

This gift is just the latest example of Richter’s generosity to the university and its students. In 1992 he set up the King J. Richter Annual Scholarship to “help high-achieving students receive the life-changing education available at FPU,” according to the description of that scholarship, which is separate from the new endowment. “He grew up in a 91��Ƭ home that held Christian values high and understands the importance of responsibility and a disciplined work ethic.”  

“King J. Richter’s generosity reflects a deep and enduring commitment to 91��Ƭ Pacific and our mission,” said FPU President André Stephens, Ph.D. “This remarkable gift will open doors for countless students—both now and for generations to come—equipping them to pursue their calling and make a difference in the world. My hope is this gift will also inspire others to give in support of the life-changing, Christ-centered education we provide.”   

King Richter  

The Richter family is deeply rooted in Christian faith and the Central Valley. King J. Richter’s grandfather, Jacob, founded Richter Bottling Works, later 91��Ƭ’s Pepsi Cola Bottling Company, in 1895. The company, with King Richter’s brother, Bud, as CEO, ultimately controlled the 91��Ƭ-Madera County market and outselling the competition by about 1.5 to one. The company was sold to the Liggett Group in 1975.  

After the sale, King J. Richter moved to Beverly Hills, where he set down roots and became a philanthropist. He continued to invest in Christian higher education. 

Join the giving  

Legacy gifts come in varying amounts, but all are important to the success of the Valley’s only accredited Christian university. Everyone interested in including FPU in their estate plan is encouraged to call Steven Redekop, director of development and legacy gifts at the FPU Foundation, at 559-453-3451.  

91��Ƭ FPU  

91��Ƭ has a proven record of success at connecting students’ untapped potential with unlimited opportunity for professional, personal and spiritual growth while remaining accessible to individuals and families of modest means. The Wall Street Journal ranks the university first among private schools nationally in social mobility for its graduates, and Money has given 91��Ƭ Pacific a five-star ranking, the only Christian university in the Western United States to receive this honor.  

PHOTO: 91��Ƭ celebrated the largest gift in its history—$21.9 million from King J. Richter for scholarships—August 12 during the annual Fall Kick Off. Standing in the back is FPU President André Stephens. At far right in the second row are Liz Garvin, vice president for advancement/executive director of the FPU Foundation, and Mark Deffenbacher, retired vice president for advancement/executive director of the FPU Foundation. Deffenbacher was among those instrumental in cultivating the gift. Pictured students are members of the Student Government Association. (FPU photo by Megan LeBlanc)