Earl Greinetz's Giving Spirit

Earl Greinetz's loyalty to California State University, Northridge, began as a parent of an alumna, Marcee Weiss '78 (Child Development). But it's his love of the San Fernando Valley that brings him continuously back to campus, allowing him to understand the important role of the university in the community. "I've been a valley resident since 1968 and I see the importance of such an institution for us in the San Fernando Valley," says Greinetz. "CSUN is a valuable resource for its residents."

Greinetz's involvement in the CSUN community is expansive. He and his late wife, Toba, were generous donors to the Michael D. Eisner College of Education and have a classroom at the Education building named after them. In 2004, Greinetz was introduced to the Jewish Studies Program in the College of Humanities. He was amazed to find such a program at a large state institution. "The Jewish Studies Program at CSUN is a hidden secret," says Greinetz. "It's amazing how Jewish and non-Jewish students can get access to an outstanding variety of courses offered by a stellar group of faculty." Having been a generous donor to the program ever since, his dedication also led him to join the Steering Committee for the Friends of the Jewish Studies Program, a group of over 300 San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles residents who participate in events, lectures, and programs throughout the year. Underlining his commitment, Greinetz has recently designated a percentage of his estate to directly benefit the Jewish Studies Program.

Greinetz is also a loyal patron at the Valley Performing Arts Center. As he says, "Why make the trek downtown when we have such an impressive performance center right in our backyard?" The CSUN Foundation was fortunate to enlist Greinetz as one of a small group of volunteers who tirelessly reached out to other donors on behalf of the Valley Performing Arts Center Campaign, raising millions of dollars needed to fund construction and maintenance of the complex.

Greinetz's giving spirit extends beyond CSUN as well. An active volunteer at many organizations, he participates as a board member at the Providence Tarzana Medical Center, the Jewish Home for the Aging, and the Alzheimer's Association. The latter two organizations have very personal significance to him: Toba, the love of his life since age 12, suffered from Alzheimer's disease. The Greinetzes benefitted greatly from services provided by the Jewish Home and the Alzheimer's Association before Toba passed away in 2011.

CSUN and the College of Humanities are fortunate recipients of Greinetz's generous philanthropy, precious time, and boundless energy. Partners like him ensure the success of the university in perpetuity.

If you would like to make an impact on the College of Humanities, please contact Suren Seropian, Director of Development at (818)677-7135 or suren.seropian@csun.edu.