Filipino American Legacies Project

Honoring Our Past. Investing in Our Future. Building a Legacy That Lasts.

The Filipino American Legacies Project is a community-driven fundraising campaign to create two lasting legacies at San José State University (SJSU): the Filipino American History Mural and a permanent scholarship endowment supporting students who are committed to uplifting and strengthening the Filipino American community.

🎯 Our $80,000 Goal

Together, we are seeking to raise $80,000 to support these two initiatives:

🎨 $30,000 — Filipino American History Mural Supporting the completion and preservation of the mural project, as well as the development of a future documentary chronicling the advocacy and community journey behind its creation.

🎓 $50,000 — Filipino American Scholarship Endowment Establishing a permanent fund that can provide ongoing scholarship support for students who demonstrate a meaningful commitment to Filipino American culture, history, community service, advocacy, leadership, or strengthening the Filipino American community as a whole.

Every gift brings us one step closer to building a legacy that can benefit generations of students and communities at SJSU and beyond.

🎨 $30,000 Goal: Filipino American History Mural

Our Stories. Celebrate Our History. Inspire Future Generations.

The Filipino American History Mural will transform a prominent space on the San José State University campus into a permanent visual celebration of Filipino American history, culture, resilience, and community.

Created through years of community advocacy, collaboration, and collective effort, the mural represents more than the stories depicted on its walls. The story of how this mural came to be is itself an important part of our shared history.

Funds raised toward the $30,000 mural goal will support project costs associated with completing and preserving the mural, as well as the development of a future documentary chronicling the movement behind its creation.

The documentary will go beyond exploring the historical figures and events depicted in the artwork. It will also capture the story of advocacy, organizing, partnerships, fundraising, and community that helped bring this vision to life.

While the mural centers Filipino American history, its impact extends far beyond the Filipino American community. It will provide an opportunity for students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members of all backgrounds to learn about Filipino American contributions and the broader histories of San José, California, and the United States.

🏛️ Become a Founding Donor

Help leave your mark on this historic project.

Gifts of $2,500 or more toward the mural project will be recognized as Founding Donors on the future mural plaque.

This recognition honors the individuals, organizations, and community partners whose early support helped make the mural possible and whose generosity will become part of its story for generations to come.

Giving Deadline to be included on the plaque: November 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM

Gifts received after this deadline may still support the mural project but will not be included on the inaugural Founding Donor plaque.

📖 Learn More About the Mural

Learn more about the Filipino American History Mural

Learn more about the muralist, Francesca “ChiChai” Mateo (’13)

Coverage In The Media: ABC 7 News Bay Area

🎓 $50,000 Goal: Filipino American Scholarship Endowment

Invest in Our Future. Support the Next Generation of Community Builders.

Our legacy isn't only what we leave behind. It's also what we make possible for those who come next.

The second initiative of the Filipino American Legacies Project will establish a $50,000 permanent scholarship endowment to support students who are committed to uplifting, serving, and strengthening the Filipino American community — regardless of whether they themselves identify as Filipino American. This is because building community is something we all have a role in.

Unlike a one-time scholarship, an endowment is designed to provide support year-after-year. By helping establish this fund today, your contribution can become part of a permanent source of opportunity for future generations of students who are committed to making a difference. When we invest in students who invest in the community, the impact extends far beyond a single scholarship recipient.

💙 $80,000 to Build a Legacy That Lasts

The Filipino American Legacies Project is ultimately about creating something that lasts.

While this project is rooted in Filipino American history, its vision is much broader. We believe that when one community preserves its history, it creates an opportunity for everyone to learn. When we invest in students who serve their communities, everyone benefits from their leadership. And when we come together to support the next generation, we help build a stronger and more inclusive community for everyone.

Together, let us build a legacy that lasts.

Mural Location

The location of the mural will be across all four panels at the base of the tower depicted below. This site is located within earshot distance of the Arch of Dignity, and will be located at a main entrance of the Student Union with high visibility.