Vanguard University Receives Historic $35 Million Estate Gift

COSTA MESA, Calif. – Vanguard University (VU), the first four-year university in Orange County, today announced a transformative $35 million endowment gift from the late Fred and Ruth Waugh, marking the largest single financial contribution in the university’s 105-year history and growing the endowment to $52.5 million. This monumental gift will significantly bolster the university's mission to pursue knowledge, cultivate character, deepen faith and equip each student for a Spirit-empowered life of Christ-centered leadership and service.

Fred ('80) and Ruth Waugh, lifelong champions of faith and mentorship, were integral figures in the Christian charismatic movement throughout the 1970s and 1980s, influencing tens of thousands. Their dedication to shepherding young believers into disciples of Christ and Spirit-led leaders was a passion of their 81 years of marriage. Even in their 90s, the Waughs continued a decades-long tradition of welcoming students into their home for fellowship, mentorship and Godly wisdom, emblematic of their deep conviction to see God’s kingdom flourish in young people.

“Fred and Ruth Waugh are an extraordinary couple who have had a front-row seat to an important period in the history of the church. But they weren't satisfied to stay in their seats. Theirs is a story of faithfulness in action,” said VU President Michael J. Beals, Ph.D. “This $35 million estate gift is a testament to their unwavering trust in Vanguard and their desire to see God’s kingdom impact maximized through Christian higher education.”

“The nature of an unrestricted gift to the endowment means that the Waughs trusted Vanguard University to direct those funds where they will maximize Kingdom impact in the mission of the university,” said Beals. “This will, without question, change the lives and directions of students — of their families — because they were able to receive a Christian education, and a part of the cost of that education was provided for by the Waughs.”

The Waughs’ relationship with Vanguard University spans decades, investing in students through scholarships and special programs for nearly 50 years. The Waugh Student Center, named in their honor, was made possible by a major gift from the couple.

“Fred and Ruth Waugh’s legacy is one of profound commitment to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and a passionate resolve to support the work of the church, Christian higher education, and para-church ministries. Their journey exemplifies a life dedicated to seeing the Holy Spirit at work in everyone and everywhere,” said Beals.

PHOTO: the late Fred and Ruth Waugh