Thousands of BYU students — joined by the BYU marching band, school administrators and faculty — filled the BYU student center Nov. 6 with one objective: to thank a man they didn't know, but whose generosity they have felt.

Photo by Dan Lund

Ira and Mary Lou Fulton celebrate during ceremony honoring them for $50 million donation to BYU.

Since 1999, Ira A. Fulton, 71, has given $50 million to BYU. In appreciation, the university held a celebration and named its College of Engineering and Technology in his honor.

Speaking at the event, President Cecil O. Samuelson lauded "one of the greatest friends Brigham Young University has ever had."

"We are pleased to honor Ira Fulton for all he and his wife, Mary Lou, have done in support of BYU," said President Samuelson of the Seventy. "Not only have they generously given of their means but also of their time and talents. We thank them for their sincere interest in BYU's success."

The impact of the Fultons' contributions to BYU can be felt campus-wide: they purchased one of the fastest supercomputers in American higher education (naming it in honor of Mary Lou), funded the new Joseph F. Smith Building and Athletic Complex, and financed numerous student scholarships. Additionally, the Fultons have provided for improvements to the Psychology Department, the School of Technology and the Museum of Art.

"Why do I love BYU? The students," Brother Fulton told the Church News. "I don't make a donation, I make an investment. I am making an investment in the future of these young people."

And speaking like the successful businessman he is, Brother Fulton said he expects a return on his investment. "These young people are going to be our new leaders, not just in the Church, but in the community," he said.

A resident of Phoenix, Ariz., Brother Fulton is president and chief executive officer of Fulton Homes, which has been building in the metro Phoenix area for 25 years. Under Brother Fulton's leadership, the company has gone from constructing several homes in 1975 to nearly 1,500 homes in 2002. The company donates 50 percent of its profits to meaningful causes, principally those that improve education. Until 1995, Brother Fulton was also the owner of Eagleson's Big & Tall men's clothiers in Southern California and Arizona, which he took from a struggling two-store operation to a 33-store chain with sales in the multi-millions.

Students cheered enthusiastically for Brother and Sister Fulton during the mid-day celebration. They respond that way, he explained, because they know I "love education and the students at BYU. You never know what kind of an impact a good education will have on someone's life. The positive effects can go on for generations."

In addition to their contributions, the Fultons serve as members of the executive committee of the BYU President's Leadership Council, a group of top-level donors who encourage and facilitate giving to BYU. Brother Fulton hopes his generosity will help spur others into giving and feeling the satisfaction that comes with it.

In September 1999, President Gordon B. Hinckley spoke at the Marriott Center to celebrate the successful end to the university's "Lighting the Way" fund-raising campaign; the school had raised $380 million, but President Hinckley still challenged fund-raisers to raise $20 million more before the year 2000.

After the meeting, Brother Fulton walked straight to President Hinckley and said, "You got it."

As Brother Fulton walked away, President Hinckley turned to then-BYU President Merrill J. Bateman and asked, "Is this guy for real?"

He is, say the thousands of BYU students who have been touched by his generosity.

"I wouldn't change my feelings," he said, explaining the important things in life include being good to people, helping people, working hard, serving others and paying tithing.

And even after giving away $50 million, Brother Fulton said he still feels an obligation to BYU students.

E-mail: sarah@desnews.com