Fresno State’s Ag One Foundation has selected Sidney B. “Sid” Cox for its 2001 Community Salute. He will be honored at a dinner on Saturday, June 16, at the Smittcamp Alumni House at California State University, Fresno.

Cox, an agricultural public relations executive who has been active for many years in several Fresno organizations, was chosen for his commitment to the agricultural industry and to Fresno State programs, said Richard Matoian, president of the Ag One Board of Directors.

“Throughout his involvement in the cotton industry and farm reporting background, Sid has been a champion for agriculture,” said Matoian. “He also has an undying commitment to the education and health of the youth of our community. That combination made him a natural choice for our Salute Committee.

“We are pleased to have someone of Sid’s talent and character to be the focus of our 2001 Community Salute,” added Matoian.

The Ag One Foundation has raised more than $3 million in endowment funds to support scholarships for students in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology. To date, more than 1,000 students have been awarded $1 million in scholarships.

Cox, a 1952 graduate of Fresno State, is the owner of Cox Communications, a local public relations consulting firm. From 1995 to 2000, he served as the executive director of Fresno COMPACT, a business-education partnership focused on preparing students for the increasing demands of society and the workplace. From 1990 to 1996, Cox was manager of the Ag Fresno Farm Equipment Show.

Cox previously served for over 24 years with Producers Cotton Oil Co. in public relations and administration. Early in his career, Cox worked as a reporter and farm editor for The Fresno Bee, KMJ-radio and television and KERN-radio in Bakersfield.

In addition to his extensive agricultural-related career activities, Cox has widespread civic and volunteer experience. He is a member and past chairman of the Valley Children’s Hospital Board of Trustees and a member of the Board of Governors of the Hospital’s Foundation.

The Clovis native also serves on the Fresno State Bulldog Foundation Fund Campaign and is a director of Clovis Community Bank. He has served as president of several organizations including Rotary Club of Fresno, Sequoia Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Clovis Unified School District Boosters Club and Bond Chairman and Co-chairman, Fresno County 4-H Club Leader Council, Fresno County Friends of the Library Adopt-A-Book Program.

Cox also served on the Board of Directors of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Fresno County, Fresno Unified School District Audit Committee and several cotton industry associations. He also is a member of several fraternal clubs and organizations in the Fresno area.

Cox has been the recipient of several awards and honors, including the United Way of Fresno County Outstanding Builder Award for 2000; Valley Children’s Hospital Building for Children Campaign Award in 1998; Fresno County Office of Education Outstanding Commitment to Education Award in 1998; Distinguished Service Award, California State University Fresno School of Agricultural Sciences and Technology in 1988; and the school’s Most Outstanding Contributor Award in 1987.

Cox is a graduate of Clovis High School, Reedley College and Fresno State, and attended management and executive courses at the University of California Los Angeles and University of Arizona. He also served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army Signal Corps from 1952-54.

He and his wife, Norma, have two grown sons and four grandchildren. He is a member of Northwest Church in Fresno.

Past recipients of the Ag One Foundation’s Community Salute are Rodger B. Jensen (1999), Vernon Conrad (1996), Vince Petrucci (1994), Harry Kubo (1991), Dick Markarian (1990), Joe Souza (1988) and Fred Rau (1987).

The 2001 Community Salute honoring Cox will begin with a social hour at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and program at 7 p.m. at the Smittcamp Alumni House, 2625 E. Keats Ave. Tickets are $50. Proceeds from tickets and sponsorships of the Salute will be donated to an Ag One Endowment in Cox’s name.

For tickets or other information, call (559) 278-4266.