Growing the UC Davis community

Coming from their respective career paths in higher education and as a church pastor, Richard and Joy Dorf's giving has a higher purpose: to encourage the development of promising students and research application. They believe supporting students achieves both.

Soon after joining the College of Engineering faculty, Dick was one of the earliest advocates for UC Davis to have its own MBA program. An expert in entrepreneurship as well as electrical engineering, he saw the opportunity for UC Davis to take a leadership role in the economic vitality of the region. During his 10-year tenure as Dean of Extended Learning, he co-facilitated the establishment of the Graduate School of Management, now one of the top 10 business schools in the nation for job placement three months after graduation. The Dorfs continue to invest in innovation by funding scholarships for students who exhibit outstanding leadership.

As the associate pastor for Davis Community Church for more than a decade, Joy has had hands-on experience building and sustaining community. The couple's wide-ranging support for the Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts, including discounted tickets for students and unrestricted giving, is reflective of their passion for expanding the interface between the campus and the wider community of Northern California.

"You can't take it with you," Joy noted.

Dick added, "And the university will help you find a way to give that works for you and your family."