Ventura County philanthropist John S. Broome has been a generous supporter of Cal State Channel Islands, donating millions of dollars for everything from new textbooks to a state-of-the-art library.
Now he thinks the new campus near Camarillo needs a more whimsical touch.
Last week, the Oxnard rancher agreed to fund creation of a 12-foot-high fountain in front of the university's science building in which a pair of bronze bottle-nosed dolphins will leap over water spurting from a stone of special significance to the Chumash tribe.
The fountain is being designed by sculptor James "Bud" Bottoms, whose work includes the "Friendship Fountain" at Santa Barbara's Stearns Wharf and a similar monument, featuring a trio of dolphins, at the entrance to the Long Beach Aquarium.
The dolphin is the Channel Islands campus mascot, and the bounding pair are meant to symbolize students soaring to fulfill their aspirations. The sharp-witted mammal has long been considered a friend and spiritual protector to the Chumash.
"We are just unbelievably touched by Jack Broome's continued generosity," Channel Islands President Richard Rush said. "Jack has been magical for us, not because he gives us these gifts but because he gives us his heart."
Broome's donation continues a tradition of gift-giving at the university that began years before the campus opened last fall.
Over the years, benefactors have provided the means for university officials to do everything from funding student scholarships to installing a bell system in a landmark tower at the campus, formerly Camarillo State Hospital.
Taken together, the university's nonprofit fund-raising foundation has collected $15 million in gifts and pledges since its creation in 1996.
According to audited figures for the 2001-02 school year, Channel Islands ranked 11th out of California State University's 23 colleges in voluntary giving -- and that was before the new campus opened for business.
Broome was among the first to open his wallet, contributing $5 million in 1999 to create a library and media center that will serve as the centerpiece for the campus. The 260,000-square-foot building, being designed by renowned London architect Norman Foster, is expected to be completed in 2005.
John Broome Jr. said his father has long been an admirer of Bottoms' sculptures and believed the university's mascot provided the perfect opportunity to share his artwork with the campus community. The family would not specify how much it was donating for the fountain.
