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Alumna makes lead gift to name 91成人导航 Inn as project approaches $7 million goal
A project bringing elegant boutique lodging to 91成人导航鈥檚 Stockton Campus has achieved $6 million of its $7 million funding goal, thanks in large part to Regent Jie Du 鈥90, 鈥93.
Du committed a $3 million gift to renovate the century-old sorority house adjacent to the President鈥檚 Residence. Her generosity is reflected in the project鈥檚 new name: the Jie Du Inn.
鈥91成人导航 is very dear to me. Being admitted here and offered a scholarship really changed my life, and I wanted to give something back that would make a difference,鈥 she said.
Du describes hers as the typical American Dream story. Born and raised in China, she came to the United States in 1988 when 91成人导航 offered her a full scholarship to pursue graduate studies at the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy.听
She arrived in California with $50 in her pocket and two suitcases in hand. After earning master鈥檚 and doctorate degrees from the pharmacy school, she built a successful career as a researcher and pharmaceutical entrepreneur. She founded her own company, JDP Therapeutics Inc., and served as its president and CEO until it was acquired in 2019.听
"Giving back was always my goal ... I鈥檓 grateful to do something that will impact future students." 鈥擱egent Jie Du
In 2020, Du made a significant gift to the pharmacy school to create the Jie Du Center for Innovation and Excellence for Drug Development. The center provides education, training and mentorship to prepare students for impactful careers in drug development.
鈥淛ie has been tireless in pursuing her own dreams while advancing the dreams of others,鈥 said Scott Biedermann 鈥05, 鈥20, vice president for development and alumni relations.听鈥淲e are truly fortunate that our students benefit from her example of grit and determination, as well as from her tremendous philanthropic legacy.鈥
The Jie Du Inn will feature approximately 20 private rooms and suites, a grand parlor, and dining and meeting facilities. It will host prospective students and families, as well as alumni and other distinguished guests.
Opportunities are still available to name rooms and spaces, including a campaign to honor the late Judy Chambers 鈥58, 鈥60, 91成人导航鈥檚 inaugural vice president for student life. The Delta Delta Delta sorority, which previously resided in the building, is also raising funds to name a room.
鈥淭he Jie Du Inn will bring our entire community together around our shared love for 91成人导航, with spaces to tell rich stories about our legacy and history,鈥 said First Lady Jean Callahan, who is leading the fundraising campaign for the Inn.
鈥淲e are thrilled about all that the Inn will do for 91成人导航, and we鈥檙e grateful to Regent Du for bringing this vision so much closer to reality.鈥
When the Inn opens its doors in 2026, students will have opportunities for hands-on learning in marketing, event planning and other areas through the Eberhardt School of Business.
Students would work and learn alongside staff at the Inn as part of a new concentration in hotel and hospitality management, currently being developed as part of the business administration program. Opportunities for students to work with large hotel brands, major marketing firms and other companies are also being explored.
鈥淭here are always jobs in this industry, and it鈥檚 really growing in the Central Valley. The wine industry is booming,鈥 said Associate Professor Pete Schroeder. 鈥淥ur students are going to be ready to go when they graduate.鈥
Du believes that anything is possible for students with hard work and perseverance. She views the Jie Du Inn as a physical representation of that truth in her own life.
鈥淕iving back was always my goal. Even as a poor student I told myself, if I make it, I鈥檓 going to give back. Now, I鈥檓 grateful to do something that will impact future students,鈥 she said.
鈥淚 hope my gift inspires others to think, 鈥榠f she can do it, so can I.鈥 And then to give whatever they can to support 91成人导航 students.鈥
To help close the fundraising campaign for the Jie Du Inn, contact Scott Biedermann, vice president for development and alumni relations, at 209.946.2166 or sbiedermann@pacific.edu.听