King J. Richter gifts over $20 million to FPU for scholarships

A longtime friend and supporter of Fresno Pacific University has left the university a transformational legacy to benefit students. King J. Richter has given FPU $21.9 million to create endowed scholarships for FPU students. The announcement was made to faculty and staff August 12 during the annual Fall Kick Off.

This largest-ever gift to FPU is believed to be the second largest public charitable contribution in Central Valley history, following a $29.4 million gift to the Fresno State College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology in 2009.

These endowed scholarships include:

• The Alvina Richter Scholarship Fund, in honor of his mother
• The Elmer R. Richter Sr. Scholarship Fund, in honor of his father
• The King J. Richter Scholarship

This gift is just the latest example of the late philanthropist’s generosity to the university and its students. In 1992 he set up the King J. Richter Annual Scholarship to “help high-achieving students receive the life-changing education available at FPU,” according to the description of that scholarship, which is separate from the new endowment. “He grew up in a Fresno home that held Christian values high and understands the importance of responsibility and a disciplined work ethic.”

“King J. Richter’s generosity reflects a deep and enduring commitment to Fresno Pacific and our mission,” 

said FPU President André Stephens, Ph.D. “This remarkable gift will open doors for countless students—both now and for generations to come—equipping them to pursue their calling and make a difference in the world. My hope is this gift will also inspire others to give in support of the life-changing, Christ-centered education we provide.”

King Richter

The Richter family is deeply rooted in Christian faith and the Central Valley. King J. Richter’s grandfather, Jacob, founded Richter Bottling Works, later Fresno’s Pepsi Cola Bottling Company, in 1895. The company, with King Richter’s brother, Bud, as CEO, ultimately controlled the Fresno-Madera County market and outsold the competition by about 1.5 to one. The company was sold to the Liggett Group in 1975.

After the sale, King J. Richter moved to Beverly Hills, where he set down roots and became a philanthropist. He continued to invest in Christian higher education.