FRESNO, Calif. — Capping a long-running dispute, a cash-strapped California public university revealed Friday that its foundation arm paid Sarah Palin $75,000 to give a 40-minute speech at a recent anniversary dinner for the campus.
The former vice presidential candidate’s appearance drew intense criticism and scrutiny after officials refused to disclose the terms of her contract to speak at the black-tie gala, which netted major donations for California State University, Stanislaus.
In a statement, campus administrators proclaimed the event to be the most successful fundraiser in the school’s history, saying it raised more than $207,000 for scholarships — an unexplained increase from the previously released figure of $60,000.
Palin often commands speaking fees as high as $100,000.
