San Diego State University alumnus and Costco CEO Jim Sinegal has created a new endowed scholarship in SDSU's College of Education.

The Janet Sinegal Scholarship was created as a surprise for his wife, who is an activist in the field of education.

"I couldn't think of a better way to honor my wife," Sinegal said. "As SDSU alumni, we're both proud of the education we received and want to make sure that other individuals have the same experience. It is important to us to continue to give this gift to students who otherwise might not have the opportunity to complete their teaching credentials."

About the endowment

Sinegal made the contribution an endowment to ensure the scholarship would be available for generations of students to come. He increased his original pledge of $150,000 to give the university a gift of almost $300,000.

In 2003, Jim and Janet Sinegal pledged $250,000 to create the Jim and Janet Scholarship to support students working on their teaching credential. The Sinegals continued the scholarship in 2008 with a new pledge of $250,000 over five years.

More about the Sinegal scholarships

Twenty to 25 Sinegal scholarships in the amount of $2,000–$2,500 are awarded each year to students enrolled in a basic teacher credential program at SDSU. Candidates are selected based on academic performance and financial need. To date, the Jim and Janet Sinegal Scholarship has provided funding for 146 students.

About Jim and Janet Sinegal

Jim Sinegal graduated from SDSU's College of Business Administration in 1959 and received an honorary doctorate in 1999. During his days at SDSU, Sinegal worked as a warehouseman and shipping clerk for Sol Price's Fed-Mart.

In 1976, Sol Price founded Price Club, and two years later Sinegal rose to the position of executive vice president. In 1983, Sinegal co-founded Costco with Jeffrey Brotman, and ten years later, Costco merged with Sinegal's former employer. Sinegal was named one of the 100 most influential people by Time magazine in 2006 and ranked no. 9 on Forbes magazine's annual CEO list in 2005.

Janet Sinegal graduated from SDSU's College of Business Administration in 1962 and received her teaching credential from SDSU in 1963. As a teacher and philanthropist, she is active in the field of education and a variety of educational causes. Sinegal's endeavors include support for The Foundation for Early Learning, MENTOR, and many other organizations focusing on the health and well being of children. Both Jim and Janet are also Montys award recipients, an annual award given to distinguished SDSU alumni.