2025 NU Foundation Gala
Experience an unforgettable evening of inspiration and celebration aboard the iconic USS Midway Museum!
Savor a delicious dinner, enjoy captivating entertainment, and take in breathtaking views of the San Diego waterfront from the flight deck. Together, we’ll honor the transformative work of the National University Foundation and unveil the 2025 NU Humanitarian of the Year.
Don’t miss this special occasion to connect, celebrate, and support our mission to make higher education accessible to all. It’s a night you won’t want to miss—reserve your spot today!
Become a 2025 NU Foundation Gala Sponsor
Thank you to all who attended the 2024 NU Foundation Gala
Congratulations to the NU 2024 Humanitarians of the Year
National University was pleased to name Dr. Lee Rice and his wife, Mary Rice, as the 2024 Humanitarians of the Year. The university’s distinguished honor recognizes the Rice family’s decades-long commitment to improving lives through education, wellness, and community service.
"Dr. Lee and Mary Rice embody the spirit of dedication and service that we celebrate at National University—and reflective of the community leaders and difference makers that we serve,” said Dr. Mark D. Milliron, president and CEO of National University. “Their lifelong commitment to wellness, education, and community service has created lasting positive change. The scope of Dr. Rice and Mary’s impact extends far beyond their professional achievements and will be felt for decades through their commitment to community values, service, and making a difference in the lives of those around them."
Dr. Rice, who serves as vice chair of NU’s board of trustees, and Mary Rice have been fixtures in the Southern California healthcare sector since arriving in San Diego with the United States Navy Reserve Medical Corps in 1973 to begin his Family Medicine Residency.
Thank You To Our
2024 NU Foundation Gala Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
T. Denny Sanford
Navigator Sponsors
Take Flight Sponsors
VIP Table Sponsors
Matt and Lisa Hutton, Dean, College of Law and Public Service – National University
Yvonne & Alvin McLean, Dean/JFK School of Psychology & Social Sciences –
National University; & the John Templeton Foundation
Trulette Clayes and Jerffey Partrick
Damon Petit & Dr. Nicole Polen-Petit,
Dean, School of Arts, Letters & Sciences – National University
Daniel & Tammi Polen
Provost Office - National University
Sanford College of Education – National University
Table Sponsors
Anthology
Asian Business Association of San Diego
AW Immigration Nation Alabama, Inc
Burnham Center for Community Advancement
College of Business, Engineering, and Technology – National University
EducationDynamics
Randy and Suzanne Frisch
Dr. Erlinda Martinez
National University Academies
USI Insurance Services, LLC