Jack Baskin: A UC Santa Cruz supporter

Engineer and philanthropist Jack Baskin was a generous supporter at UC Santa Cruz over several decades, providing advice to faculty and campus leaders as well as transformational gifts. "His philanthropy has been strategic, multifaceted, and transformational to our campus, and his support included extensive contributions of his time and energy," said Chancellor Cynthia Larive. Baskin died in January 2020 at 100.

Baskin was an active supporter of engineering and other programs at UC Santa Cruz over several decades, providing advice to faculty and campus leaders as well as generous financial support. His cornerstone gift helped launch UCSC's Baskin School of Engineering in 1997. Baskin and his family have also supported many other programs at UCSC, including the Elena Baskin Visual Arts Center, the Institute of Marine Sciences, arts programs, endowed chairs, and scholarships. The donations from Baskin and his foundation have amounted to more than $10 million.

"Jack Baskin's impact at UC Santa Cruz can be seen across the campus, from engineering to the arts and humanities," said UCSC Chancellor Cynthia Larive. "His philanthropy has been strategic, multifaceted, and transformational to our campus, and his support included extensive contributions of his time and energy."

Baskin's involvement with UC Santa Cruz began in the 1970s, when founding chancellor Dean McHenry invited him to serve on the campus's physical planning committee. He was a trustee of the UCSC Foundation for over 30 years, including two years as chair.

"From the very early years of UC Santa Cruz, Jack Baskin campaigned for a strong engineering presence on campus," said Alexander Wolf, dean of the Baskin School of Engineering. "He wanted UCSC to be a leader in engineering, a vision that has been realized, in part through his generosity, with world-class research and education."

Baskin also gave generously to assist families, children, and senior citizens in the Santa Cruz region through the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County, which he helped establish, and other organizations. Beneficiaries of his time and donations include Dominican Hospital, Cabrillo College, and Monterey Peninsula College. Baskin was named "Man of the Year" by the Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce in 1986. In 2008, he and his wife Peggy Downes Baskin established the Peggy and Jack Baskin Foundation to provide financial support for gender equality and increased access to education for marginalized communities in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties.

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