In April 2007, University of the Pacific President Donald D. DeRosa sat down for lunch with Sacramento philanthropist and Regent Robert Powell—a meeting that would change the course of the university’s future and transform the lives of countless students.

Through years of friendship and trust, DeRosa played a pivotal role in securing what would become the largest gift in Pacific’s history: a $100 million estate commitment from Powell and his wife Jeanette. 

“It took my breath away,” DeRosa later recalled.

Though the Powells never attended college, they cared deeply about education and chose to leave their vast estate to Pacific where both had served as regents. 

“It was hard to believe, but it goes to the depth of Don’s relationship with the Powells,” former Provost Phil Gilbertson said in a 2021 interview. “When Bob Powell was battling some illness, Don went to bat for him and got him in to see the right doctors at Stanford. And he did it because he cared about Bob as a person.”

DeRosa worked closely with the Powells to envision how the gift would be used, with the focus always steadfastly centered on students. When Pacific received the gift in 2013, it had grown to more than $125 million.

“In all of our discussions about the possibility of this gift, we've focused on how to make this great university even greater and what will have the most significant impact on students,” DeRosa said in a 2007 article. 

The largest portion—more than $60 million—funds a matching campaign for endowed scholarships. The fund also matches gifts to endowments that support academic programs, provides ongoing financial support for Pacific’s art collection and led to the creation of the Powell Scholars program, which provides scholarships and leadership opportunities to a select number of high achieving students each year.

Even after retiring as president, DeRosa continued to help oversee the Powell Scholars program, volunteering as a Powell advisor until 2022.

“The Powell Fund represents a truly transformational investment in our students and their futures. We are deeply grateful to Don, whose vision and stewardship helped make this gift possible. His legacy will continue to shape lives for generations to come,” said Vice President for University Development and Alumni Relations Scott Biedermann ’05, ’20.

As of 2026, the fund has matched more than 500 commitments resulting in more than $102 million in match commitments.

“One of our hopes in life is to make a difference. To be a lifter, not a leaner. My gosh did the Powell gift lift us all,” said former Director of Athletics Ted Leland.