$35 million gift to university from Fred and Ruth Waugh

Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, California, has announced a $35 million contribution that marks the largest single gift in its 105-year history and positions the private Christian institution for a new era of growth and influence.

The gift, made by Fred (’80) and Ruth Waugh, raises Vanguard’s endowment to $52.5 million, more than doubling its capacity to fund scholarships, strengthen academic programs, and support the university’s long-standing mission to prepare students for a life of Christ-centered leadership and service.

“This is more than a financial contribution—it is a statement of faith and vision,” said university president Michael J. Beals. “Fred and Ruth Waugh are an extraordinary couple who were not content to simply witness history; they lived it with faithfulness and action. This $35 million gift reflects their trust in Vanguard’s mission and their desire to see Christian higher education shape generations to come.”

The Waughs were deeply connected to the spiritual and cultural life of Southern California during the rise of the charismatic Christian movement in the 1970s and 1980s. Their involvement extended beyond the church into educational institutions that, like Vanguard, sought to cultivate faith while equipping students with the tools for professional and personal impact. Their generosity has already left a visible mark on the university: the Waugh Student Center, a central hub of campus life, carries their name.

For Vanguard, the magnitude of this gift carries practical and symbolic weight. As a mid-sized Christian liberal arts university, its endowment has historically lagged behind that of larger institutions. With this infusion, Vanguard not only strengthens its financial foundation but also gains the ability to compete more effectively in providing need-based scholarships and supporting faculty development.

“This is a historic moment for Vanguard,” Beals noted. “It ensures that students who feel called to pursue their education in an environment that integrates faith and learning will have greater access to the resources they need to thrive.”

The announcement also signals the continued importance of Christian higher education within the broader philanthropic landscape. At a time when private faith-based institutions often face pressure from rising costs and declining enrollment, such gifts can serve as both lifelines and catalysts, securing long-term stability while inspiring confidence among alumni and donors.

As Vanguard looks to the future, the Waughs’ generosity is likely to be remembered as a defining chapter in its story—a gift that not only strengthened the university’s financial footing but also reaffirmed its mission to pursue knowledge, cultivate character, and deepen faith.