Sen. Cogdill leads tribute on Senate floor to Jordan family

Mrs. Dee Jordan, center, was recognized for the Jordan family gift of $29.4 million to Fresno State with a Senate resolution Monday, July 13. Also pictured are, from left, Alcidia Freitas Gomes, Ag One Executive Director/College Development Director; Bill Henson, a guest of Mrs. Jordan’s; Dr. Charles Boyer, dean of the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology; and Sen. Dave Cogdill, who spearheaded the Senate tribute. Photo by Lorie Shelley, California State Senate.

The California State Senate today (July 13, 2009) honored the Jordan family for their generous donation of $29.4 million to the California State University, Fresno College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, now known as the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology. The donation, from the late Hanabul “Bud” Jordan, and his brother, the late Lowell Jordan, is the largest single cash gift ever given to any California State University. Bud ran a general contracting business in Hayward and Lowell ranched cattle in Dublin.

“The kindness and generosity of the Jordan family will benefit students for generations to come and help the future of agriculture for our state as a whole,” said Senator Cogdill (R-Modesto).

Neither man had ever set foot on the Fresno State campus, but donated generously to the agriculture program over the years, including a $130,000 endowment that has provided annual scholarships since 1995.

Fresno State President John D. Welty said the Jordan gift will play a major role in further strengthening the agricultural program at the university. “This incredible gift will fund projects that the college had only just dreamed of,” Welty said. “It’s a rare and wonderful opportunity to make a profound impact on the college. We know we have outstanding, world-class agriculture programs. This gift will definitely establish Fresno State as the university of choice for top agriculture students.”

The contributions began after agriculture economics professor emeritus Bob Glim and his family met the Jordan family at motor home rallies. Professor Glim shared stories about the campus and its students. Over the years, they developed a friendship and Professor Glim shared products from the university’s farm, such as raisins and wine.

“This incredible story is a testament to the value of friendships. The strong bonds between Fresno State and the Jordan family continue, even after Bud and Lowell’s passing,” said Cogdill. “The Jordan family’s generosity is without parallel. In these tough economic times when we are forced to cut back, it is heartwarming that individuals are stepping up to help others. This big-hearted family has created a legacy of community involvement that will serve as an inspiration to all Californians.”

Dee Jordan, Bud Jordan’s wife; Dr. Charles Boyer, dean of the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology; and Alcidia Freitas Gomes, Ag One Executive Director/College Development Director attended today’s ceremony on the Senate Floor.