Cal State East Bay Science and Innovation Center to be Named After the Braddock Family

Cal State East Bay is pleased to announce that its new applied sciences center shall be named The Braddock Center for Science and Innovation in recognition of the 5 million dollar contribution towards construction costs from Braddock Philanthropies and East Bay natives Robert Braddock and Cherie Keemar.

“We have many great supporters,” said Dr. Jason Singley, Dean of College of Science, referring to the donors of the center. “Bob Braddock and his sister Cherie took us across the finish line. Thanks to their gift and the generosity of the Wayne and Gladys Valley Foundation and other private donors, the building will be totally operational with students learning and doing research by year-end 2024.”

The Braddock Family has a long history in San Leandro and the East Bay. Lois and Robert Sr. made San Leandro their home after WWII, establishing themselves as leaders in the residential construction industry and as business visionaries, including being among the founders of the Oakland Raiders. With their success, they were able to become significant philanthropists.

This commitment to strengthening the East Bay community was passed down to Bob and Cherie. Cherie had a long career as a New York based marketing director for Gourmet Magazine. After completing military service, attending college and completing his business career, Bob turned his energy to expanding on his parents’ philanthropic work.

The family mission has focused on communities in need—from the emotional and physical wellness of children to innovative healthcare and educational program funding.

“Braddock Philanthropies is committed to expanding access to resources that improve health, education, and well-being,” said Bob Braddock, President of Braddock Philanthropies. “We are thrilled to support Cal State East Bay and the Braddock Center for Science and Innovation. It’s not just an investment in a building; it’s an investment in the future of our community, empowering generations of students to explore, discover, and pioneer solutions that will shape tomorrow’s world.”

Situated adjacent to the existing campus science buildings, the new two-story, 22,165-square-foot science center will house five instruction spaces, four fully operational laboratories, as well as a student support space. The center will be home to Cal State East Bay programs that are leading the way with innovative approaches to conservation, research and learning.

The interior of the Braddock Center for Science and Innovation will encourage collaborative discovery and hands-on experimentation, and its exterior hardscape and seating areas will play an intentional role in communal learning by drawing learners and instructors to the outdoors.

“The Braddock family’s generous contribution is incredibly significant for helping our students gain in-demand, hands-on STEM skills and knowledge,” said Dr. Cathy Sandeen, President, Cal State East Bay. “Their support really affirms the lasting academic and social value that Cal State East Bay brings to the region. We are grateful to partner with the Braddock family and honored to have the Braddock name on this building for generations of Cal State East Bay Pioneers.”

Interested in supporting our STEM education efforts? Reach out to us here.

Learn more about Braddock Philanthropies here.