Donors to Cal State Long Beach have pushed the university ahead of schedule in President Robert Maxson's plan to raise $100 million in private gifts by the 1999-2000 academic year.

Maxson announced Wednesday that CSULB has passed the $55 million mark in September.

The plan was announced by Maxson in July 1995.

Maxson said he made a wise decision by hiring Stephen Feldman as vice president for University Relations and Development.

"I told him what we wanted to achieve," Maxson said. "And he took (it) to heart."

Private donations have enhanced numerous academic and student service programs across the campus, including the PresidentŐs Scholars Program, which offers full scholarships to top frosh.

Feldman said he is "fully confident" that the goal will be met on time.