Vaughncille Joseph Meng

The late Vaughncille Joseph Meng and her husband Wil were introduced to Cal State Fullerton by their neighbor Dr. Jim Young, who founded the Theatre and Dance Department in 1960. As a result of their relationship, the Mengs became interested in CSUF. When her husband Wil passed away, Vaughncille chose Young to be her successor trustee. He suggested that she include the University of Oklahoma, her alma mater, among her beneficiaries.

But Vaughncille had other ideas.

She said, "I have lived besides the development of the university; I have lived in this community; and I would prefer the funds to go them." Vaughncille was deeply interested in supporting people in the arts through scholarships, and in bringing visiting professors and professional artists into the university community.

Vaughncille began making gifts to the College of the Arts in 1998. Her gifts have funded a Theatre and Dance Endowment and an Opera and Musical Theatre Endowment. She also established the Vaughncille Joseph Meng Scholarship, which provides annual awards for undergraduate students majoring in theatre and dance. In 2003, she contributed funds toward the design and construction of the new Clayes Performing Arts Center. In recognition of her nearly $2 million in contributions to the College of the Arts, the Clayes Performing Arts Center's largest venue, an 800-seat concert hall, is named in her honor.