Former City Manager Donates $1.2M to SDSU

Former San Diego City Manager Jack McGrory pledged a $1.2 million gift to San Diego State University, the school announced Monday.

The money from McGrory, who received his master's degree in public administration from SDSU in 1976 and who has taught part-time at SDSU for 18 years, will be divided among the Department of Classics and Humanities, the School of Public Affairs and the Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center.

“SDSU has been an important part of my career and these initiatives reflect the highlights of my background,” said McGrory, who is now chief executive officer of La Jolla MJ Management Inc., a real estate and securities investment firm.

McGrory, who was city manager from 1991-97, made his pledge as part of the Campaign for SDSU, which seeks to raise $500 million over seven years.

According to university officials, his money will fund scholarships for high-achieving students in classics and humanities, help pay for a staff position in public affairs and support scholarships for Marine veterans.

McGrory received his bachelor's degree in the classics and humanities from Colgate University in 1971, teaches a graduate level course in public administration and served in the Marine Corps.

–City News Service