California State University, Stanislaus, has received a $1.3 million gift from the estate of developer George Capurro.

The money will be used to support CSU Stanislaus-Stockton, including the computer-information systems program and the digital design program. In addition, $1 million from the bequest will be used to match donations to the University’s Stockton Eighth Grade Initiative through 2008.

A lifelong Stockton resident, Capurro was the owner of Val San Associates Real Estate Development for more than 50 years. A World War II veteran who was among the second wave of troops at the Normandy invasion, he was awarded the Purple Heart.

Marvalene Hughes, president of CSU Stanislaus, launched the initiative to encourage and enable eighth-graders from Stockton public schools to aspire to attend the university if they meet and maintain academic and other agreed-upon requirements.

“The university is highly honored that funds from the George Capurro estate will help many students from Stockton realize their college education dreams at CSU Stanislaus,” Hughes said. “This bequest will give the SEGI program a financial foundation that others can build on to provide the needed funds for scholarships.”

The first of the eighth-grade students is expected to gain admission to CSU Stanislaus as early as 2006. The university is seeking community support to help meet the educational needs of these financially needy students. Most of them will need financial aid to defray college costs.

The Capurro bequest provides funds for matching contributions from community friends, businesses and supporters that will translate into future scholarship awards.

The university will name the Stockton campus auditorium at Acacia Hall the George Capurro Auditorium. The unveiling of a plaque will take place later in the year with a special ceremony.

The students who complete the program and attend CSU Stanislaus will be known as the George Capurro SEGI scholars.

Friends and supporters can participate in the matching gift campaign by sending a contribution to the CSU Stanislaus Foundation at 801 W. Monte Vista Ave., Turlock, CA 95382. To obtain further information, call Carrie Sass, director of advancement, CSU Stanislaus-Stockton, at (209) 467-5380.